As a carer for a child with disability, especially if it's full-time care, you need to take regular short breaks. Where can you access qualified children's respite services in Melbourne?
In this article we look at:
· what children's respite services are
· why carers need a regular break
· how long is short term accommodation and assistance?
· how supported people benefit in respite care
· finding children's respite services near you
With this information, you'll be able to take the short breaks you need as a carer.
What are respite services in Melbourne?
In case you didn't know, the industry uses both terms, respite services and short term accommodation and assistance (STAA). It's when you take a break from caring and the person you care for stays for a short time at a dedicated respite home. The home is staffed by qualified support workers who assist the supported person to do a variety of activities and tasks during their stay.
As a trusted NDIS provider Victoria, Melba offers qualified respite services. The respite home is set up to be like a home away from home. This provides a safe and comfortable environment for the individual who is fully supported during the stay. The care is tailored towards the specific child so that they can have loads of fun and live the life they want during their stay.
Why carers need a regular break
Being a carer of a child with disability is an immensely satisfying job. You are making a huge difference in their life. A part of your role should also be caring for your own wellbeing.
As time goes on, stress can build up which can take a lot out of you, especially if you're a primary carer. A Royal Commission report found there are "positive and negative effects on carers... the negative effects include depression, anxiety and burden."
Obviously, this is common with any job in life, and in a caring role, this is not beneficial to you or the person you support. You need to maintain your health and wellbeing to be able to continue caring for the supported person. This is why you need to take regular short breaks. Health concerns are not the only reason you may need a break.
It could be:
· for some 'me time'
· receive help with implementing plans worked hard for, such as BSPs, physio etc.
· a change of scenery
· relieve stress
· do something else
Short, restorative breaks are recommended, but how long or short should the breaks be?
How long is short term accomModation & assistance (respite)?
The stay for children at respite services in Melbourne can vary depending on the home, your needs, and the needs of the person supported.
The break could be:
· overnight, 24/7
· a few days
The length of time really depends on what you need to accomplish during that time.
How supported people benefit in respite care
Respite services not only benefit you, but the person you support. It's an opportunity for the supported person to enjoy a short break in a caring, fully supported environment. With assistance from a dedicated support worker, it means they can do new things and be involved in the community which can assist them with confidence building.
During the short break at a respite home, the supported person can take part in any number of activities.
This includes:
· socialising
· making new friends
· engaging in a favourite sport
· sensory activities
· visiting lakes, parks, local attractions
· being involved in community events
· reading, arts, crafts
· playing Xbox and Wii games
Whatever the activity, it is designed to be fun, to help build confidence, increase independent living skills, and other rewarding outcomes.
As you can see, a short break is very beneficial to a supported person. It's one of the benefits of quality respite services.
Melba offers caring respite services in MELBOURNE and Victoria-wide
Melba is a registered NDIS provider Victoria. We're big on human rights and all about empowering people with a disability to live the life they want, to dream big, be happy, and do what they choose and value.
Our respite homes are like a home away from home. The person supported can enjoy a caring, welcoming environment with friendly support staff. We tailor the care to the individual's needs to ensure they get the most out of their stay.
Some of the respite services we engage the supported person in can include:
· daily tasks, such as meal times (planning, preparing, etc.)
· showering, dressing and other personal care tasks
· developing new skills to assist with independent living
We also ensure all medication is taken on time as part of our comprehensive care services.
For children's respite care Melbourne, Melba Support has locations in:
· Frankston
· Cranbourne
We also have children's and adult's respite care in other locations across Victoria, so you're sure to find a location that is convenient for you. With Melba respite services, you can take regular short breaks and know that person you care for will benefit at the same time.
Contact us today for more information and to discuss your needs.