Respite Options

Greenacres Respite Options provides day time respite services for older parent/carers and their adult children with disability, covering the geographical areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Nowra. Respite programs are delivered Monday to Friday mainly between 9am 4pm with some flexibility outside of these hours for the delivery of in-home respite.

Respite Options delivers flexible and responsive services through individualized support in a range of environments that allow older parent/carers to maintain and enhance their relationships and lifestyle. Respite Options aims to give older parent/carers a regular break from their caring role so they have the opportunity to pursue their own interests. Older parent/carers choose the type of respite service that best suits their situation and lifestyle. Centre-based programs include cooking, ten-pin bowling, movies, exhibitions, picnics, art/craft, exercise, literacy classes, woodwork, music therapy, cultural exhibitions and relaxation classes. The list is endless as the type of programs and activities implemented is as varied as the people with disabilities who attend. In-home respite offers families the opportunity for support to be delivered on a one-to-one basis in the family home or in the community and support also extends to the older parent/carer who may need assistance with transport or advocacy. Transport is provided to and from all respite services for people with disabilities and their older parent/carers.

An individual plan is developed in consultation with all significant stakeholders within the first six months of starting the service. The individual planning process ensures that programs, teaching aids and activities keeps the focus on the individual and reflects the goals and aspirations of the person with a disability and their parent/carer. Information is presented in the most meaningful format to encourage active participation throughout the individual planning process.