Older Carers Program
The Older Carer Program (OCP) program provides respite care and support for carers, aged over 60, who are providing ongoing care and support to an adult with a disability. Carers who are eligible to receive assistance through the OPC program include those who are:
- Aged over 60 years (or 45 for an ATSI carer)
- The primary carer for an adult, aged 25 to 64, with a disability
- Living in the Inner West region of Sydney
Respite care provides a break for the carer of a person with a disability. It allows the carer time to rest and relax and to attend to their needs. Each carer can be provided with up to 168 hours of respite per year. Respite care can be provided for a minimum of 2 hours or can run for up to 48 hours. During respite care a trained staff member will take over the tasks of caring that are usually performed by the family carer, be it personal care, meal preparation, transport, socialisation etc.
The Ella Centre’s OCP Co-ordinator works in partnership with the carer and the care recipient to develop a personalised respite care plan that meets the identified needs of both. Respite care may include:
- In home respite
- Recreational respite
- Overnight respite
The OCP Co-ordinator can also assist carers in planning for the future care needs of their care recipient. This may include the provision of information and support, as well as assisting you in the development of emergency care plans and long term care plans. It may also take the form of linking you in with other available services, making referrals on your behalf and advocating for services to assist you in your caring role.
Funding
This program is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.