Carer Advisory Service
For information, referral, advocacy, problem solving, developing options, counselling appointments and workshops.
1800 242 636*

Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre
For information on community aged care and disability services in your area and all respite enquiries.
1800 052 222*
For emergency respite after hours call: 1800 059 059*

Carers ACT Belconnen Office
Ground Floor
Churches Centre
54 Benjamin Way
Belconnen ACT 2617

Ph: (02) 6296 9900
Fax: (02) 6296 9999


Carers ACT Torrens Office
1 Torrens Place
Torrens ACT 2607

The Cottage
Dementia Respite - Low Care
117 Denison Street
Deakin ACT 2600

Ph: (02) 6285 2082
Fax: (02) 6282 5784

Fraser House
Disability Respite for Mature Carers
30a Kerrigan Street
Fraser ACT 2615

Ph: (02) 6259 9555
Fax: (02) 6259 9333

If you are interested in Membership please Click here

*An Australian Government Initiative. Free local call. Mobile phones charged at mobile rates.

MATURE AGED CARERS PROGRAM

If you are a parent providing care to your son or daughter with an intellectual or physical disability, then you are also a family Carer. As you get older, the caring role can become increasingly tiring and challenging. 

Mature Carers can access up to four weeks respite (such as a short break) per annum. Respite support can help you to re-energise to continue to care for your loved one. Accessing quality, individually tailored care and support for your son or daughter is also essential for your peace of mind. 

A parent is also a Carer.

This is a flexible and individually tailored Program, giving Mature Aged Carers a wide choice of respite options. Carers aged 65 to 69 years will have increased assess to respite and support including up to two weeks if the Carer is hospitalised. Carers aged 70+ can access up to four weeks planned respite per annum as well as support in their day to day caring role.

The Mature Aged Carers Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) and the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services (DHCS) through the Commonwealth State and Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA).

Respite can include:

Fraser House Retreat

Contact: 02 6259 9555

What is Fraser House Retreat?

This program is part of The Mature Aged Carers Program. It provides low care day and overnight respite for Mature Carers who are caring for a son or daughter with a disability.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to receive this respite service, you must be a Mature Carer over 65 caring for a son or daughter with a disability living in the ACT.

A copy of the Eligibility Policy is available on request.

How is the respite arranged?

A referral is made to the care coordinator who assesses the recipient for suitability against the set criteria. An assessment of respite options is identified and days requested are provided if there is availability. If the days requested are not available the care coordinator endeavors to assist with other options.

What services are available?

The program provides Day, Overnight and Host Family respite options for Carers and their families.

Other services that are available to ensure that your care plan is meeting your needs are:

• Living Skills Program
• Personal Care
• Medication Administration
• Continuation of some community services being received at home
• Transport.

Services received through Fraser House Retreat are designed to be flexible and culturally sensitive and can change as your needs change.
Activities of daily living are maintained with new skills introduced as required.

What if my care needs increase?

The Care Coordinator will assess, coordinate, monitor and review your needs to ensure that the respite that you receive continues to be appropriate. A copy of the exit policy is available on request.

Are there fees for this respite service?

A contribution for respite services applies.
The fee is $10.00 for Day and Host Family Program.
Overnight Program $27.00
Transport $2.50.
Fees are negotiable.

What rights and responsibilities do I have?

Carers ACT will ask you to sign an agreement. That agreement constitutes a legal arrangement between you and Carers ACT. It sets out the terms and conditions under which the program is provided. It includes information on client fees, rights and responsibilities and your care plan. Applicable Policy and Procedure documents are available upon request.

What if I don’t need the service anymore?

Carers ACT asks you to contact the Care Coordinator as soon as practicable, if you no longer require the services of Fraser House, or need to cancel a visit.

What should I do if I am dissatisfied with the service?

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your respite service, you can discuss the problem with, or make a suggestion or complaint to:

1. The Care Coordinator, telephone 02 6259 9555
2. The Manager of Fraser House , telephone 02 6259 9555
3. The Complaints Resolution Scheme of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, telephone 1800 550 552
   

What if I need a representative to assist me?

You can appoint another person or advocacy service to speak for you or to represent you in any way relating to your respite. You or your representative must advise The Cottage in writing each time you appoint or change your representative.
If you require information about an advocacy service, please contact the Care Coordinator at Fraser House.

Carers ACT Inc Privacy Policy and Your Confidential Information:

At Fraser House, your privacy is very important to us. Your personal information is only collected to enable us to supply you with the services you have requested us to provide.
The privacy and confidentiality of the information held about you will be respected. Confidential information about you will only be given to another person if this is important for your care or is required or authorized by law. By signing this agreement, you are allowing Carers ACT to keep and release your information.

Who can I call to find out more?

You can phone Fraser House to find out more about your respite options on 6259 9555