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*
Carers ACT Northside (Main office)
2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent
HOLT ACT 2615
Ph: (02) 6296 9900
Fax: (02) 6296 9999
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.
The Cottage - Deakin
Home From Home Respite Program
“The Cottage”
What is the Home from Home Respite Program?
This program provides day, home host and overnight respite for Carers of people with dementia and changed behaviour. The program is set in a Cottage in the leafy suburb of Deakin. The Cottage provides a home away from home atmosphere. It allows our guests (care recipients) to spend time in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our staff are professional, warm and welcoming. All staff have had dementia specific training.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to receive this respite service:
- You must be a Carer
- The recipient must live in the ACT
- Have a diagnosed dementia
- Be assessed a low care
Access and Eligibility, Policy and Procedure documents are available upon request.
- A referral is made to the program.
- An assessment of the need of the Carer and recipient is made.
- Days requested are provided if there is availability. If the days requested are not available then management will assist you with other options.
What services are available?
The program provides Half Day, Day, Overnight and Host Family respite options for Carers and their families. There are Men’s Days, Ladies Days, and Mixed Groups. No more than six to eight people attend at any one time.
- Day Program: The Cottage offers various daily activities ranging from music, gentle exercise, bingo, quizzes and games, cooking, gardening, craft, art and also outings in the Cottage bus.
- Overnight Program: Overnight accommodation is available for families who require respite. Two beds are available for short term stays.
- Host Family Program: The Host Family program can provide one on one care for younger onset dementia.
To ensure that your care plan is meeting your needs the following services are included in the program:
- Personal Care
- Medication Administration
- Continuation of some community services the care recipient is receiving at home
- Transport
Services received through The Home from Home Program are designed to be flexible and culturally sensitive and can change as your needs change.
What if my care needs increase?
Assessment, coordination, monitoring and review occur regularly to ensure that the respite you are receiving continues to be appropriate. If your care recipient is reassessed as high care and therefore no longer eligible to attend the Cottage, our staff will assist you to find appropriate respite and refer you to alternative programs.
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 please contact The Cottage as soon as practicable if you no longer require the services of The Cottage, or need to cancel a visit. Exit Policy and Procedure documents are available upon request.
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:
- The Coordinator: 62852082
- The Manager of The Home From Home Program: 62852082
- The Complaints Resolution Scheme of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: 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 Coordinator at The Cottage. Advocacy Policy and Procedure documents are available upon request.
Carers ACT Inc Privacy Policy and Your Confidential Information:
At The Cottage, 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.
Privacy and Confidentiality documents are available upon request.
Who can I call to find out more?
You can phone The Cottage on 6285 2082 to find out more about your respite options.
Are there fees for this respite service?
A contribution for respite services applies. The fees are:
Fees are negotiable.
