HammondCare has started to roll-out its Melbourne respite care for carers program, with priority given to people caring for those with a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
HammondCare At Home will run these new programs across the Boroondara, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Melbourne, Melton, Monash, Moonee Valley, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges local government areas.
HammondCare Area Manager, Andrew Haszard, said respite for carers was important as it resulted in people staying in their home longer, rather than entering an aged care facility.
“Carer stress and burnout are significant contributors to a decision to place the person being cared for into a nursing home. Research shows that if they are able to have a break – even just to go shopping or catch up with friends – they are more likely to keep their loved one at home,” he said.
“While priority for the program will be given to people caring for those with a culturally and linguistically diverse background, HammondCare’s speciality is caring for people living with dementia or complex care needs.”
Mr Haszard said flexible respite would support carers to balance their life, with HammondCare staff providing a range of services including domestic duties, meal preparation, medication management, personal care needs and social support.
“Caring for someone in their home is rewarding but can be emotionally and physically tiring – this new program aims to alleviate the strain of being a round the clock carer.
“Under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme we will deliver more than 300 hours a week of respite to eligible carers across the eight local government regions.”
The East and West Metropolitan regions together have one of the highest rates of people living with dementia of anywhere in Victoria.
Applicants for respite need to be caring for someone who is eligible to receive home care support following an assessment by My Aged Care.
