Carer Respite Funding for Nillumbik Community Health Service
20 January 2010 Nillumbik Community Health Service in Eltham will receive a one-off funding grant for over $19,000 to boost services that provide respite for local Carers. The funding is part of the Rudd Government’s National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP), and will go towards the purchase of lockable cupboards, lounge chairs and new carpet.
Ms Macklin said that local respite services were an invaluable time-out for people who care for friends or family members, often with very challenging conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“Carers across our local community play an incredibly demanding role,”
“They dedicate their lives to the care of those that are unable to look after themselves, including the elderly and those with various forms of disability,”
“It is incredibly demanding work – both emotionally and physically,”
“Like the rest of us, Carers need a break too, to go to work for a few hours, or go to the shops or socialise with friends.
“Supporting Carer respite programs like that at Macleod Village is a vital way of allowing local Carers to get the time-out they very much need and deserve.” Ms Macklin said.
Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
Of these about 500,000 are primary carers – the people who provide the majority of the care.
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