If you are a long-term caregiver for an ageing family member, you undoubtedly know the challenges as well as the rewards. As a family carer, being able to take a break from the responsibilities is vital for your own wellbeing, and to your ongoing ability to meet the demands of this role.
Respite care offers you the opportunity to take a break while other people step in to provide care for your loved one. Such care may be provided by other family members or friends, or by professional respite care providers.
For many Australian families, quality professional day respite care offers an invaluable service. In this way, they can ensure a safe, welcoming environment for their ageing relatives, which allows the carers to take a well-earned break.
MACG is committed to providing quality day respite care in Melbourne that families and clients can trust and feel safe using. For more information, contact us today.
What do respite care services offer?
Day respite care usually runs through the main part of the day, although the hours may vary between different providers. A range of structured activities, excursions, and opportunities to socialise are generally included.
Respite care is focused on healthy, positive living, and helping older Australians live life to the fullest. Respite care also seeks to build strong ties with extended family members and do all we can to support them.
Consumers are encouraged to get involved with activity programs. These programs are designed to preserve the dignity and independence of the elderly. Such programs include:
- Outings to visit the wider community
- Group activities, like games, gardening, and craft groups
- Wellbeing activities, such as massages, foot spas, and manicures
During the day, morning and afternoon tea, and lunch is provided, with a choice of menu and all dietary requirements catered for.
Allied health services are also offered, which makes it easier and more convenient for older people to live comfortably. The services available include:
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Hairdressing
- Dietitian
- Hearing services
- Mobile dentist
- Optometrist
At MACG, we provide accredited respite services in our residential care homes across Melbourne. We are 100% committed to making our homes welcoming and homely both for residents and for those who visit us for respite care.
How to access day respite care
If your general practitioner or another healthcare worker feels respite care will be helpful in your situation, they can make the referral. Alternatively, as a relative, you may also apply for respite care provision. You can easily do this by making direct contact with your chosen respite care provider.
If you would like to make contact with one of our care homes about respite care, you can call the home directly. Alternatively, you can phone our Group Admissions Coordinator on (03) 9071 3151.
Following your initial inquiry, one of our managers will arrange to visit you and your relative in their home. During this visit, our manager will make an assessment of your relative’s needs and eligibility. The manager will provide you with all the information you need and answer any questions you may have.
We would also encourage your relative to visit the care home and try out the services to ensure they are suitable.
Respite care staff
When you are choosing a respite care provider, you will want to have complete confidence in the staff. You need to know they are educated and qualified to provide the very best care in a professional manner. Our care staff can address:
- Dementia and related illnesses
- Complex medical issues
- Mobility issues
- Disability and frailty
- Challenging behaviours
At MACG, our respite care services are accredited. Our staff are highly educated, experienced, and supported to care for a wide range of needs.
Respite care costs
It’s important to understand the costs of respite care. While the Australian government subsidises some aged care services, your loved one will be expected to contribute financially if able.
At MACG, our services are provided on a reasonable fee-for-service basis. We will explain these aged care costs to you on enquiry and answer any questions you may have.
Why choose MACG
At MACG, we are committed to providing accredited, high-quality day respite care within a warm and friendly environment. Contact us today if you would like more information about our respite care services, or if you would like to book a tour of one of our homes.
