Respite Care at Columbia

Columbia Aged Care Services offers respite care to assist carers and those being cared for to take a short-term residential break.

At Columbia we know that carers need support and regular breaks to be able to continue in their demanding roles.

We also know that breaks provide benefits for the person being cared for. They can bring new experiences, new conversations and a change of scenery.

A respite stay at a Columbia Centre may be just the break you, the person you care for and your family need. 

About Respite Care

Many people have a family member or friend who provides care to help them continue to live at home.

Respite care offers a safe home-like environment for frail older people, which gives their family and carers a break from the work of caring for that person.

Residential respite care provides short-term care if the older person intends to return to home and the community.

The benefits of respite care

Regular breaks from caring can help to relieve the stress and exhaustion that often comes with the role of caring.

Respite care can be provided at the care level needed, depending on your requirements.

It also provides the opportunity for us to get to know you and you to know us. If the need arises for full time care, then you can book into a familiar environment.

The types of respite care that Columbia offers

Residential respite care may be used on a planned or emergency basis, for example if you are ill, or to help if your carer is absent for any reason such as illness or holidays.

Taking a break for the first time

You may feel concerned that you will no longer be in charge of what happens to the person you care for or concerned they will not be well cared for without you. You may also be concerned about the cost of respite services. Some tips from other carers that may help:

• Start with small breaks and work up to longer ones
• Make respite real for both of you by taking a complete break – discuss visiting your loved one with the Facility Services Manager to alleviate any fears or concerns you may have. Remember that it is important for your health and well-being to take regular breaks. It’s worth a try.
• Remember that it is important for your health and well-being to take regular breaks. It’s worth a try.

Sometimes the person you care for may be reluctant to agree or cooperate with your need for a respite. They may feel angry or confused about your need for a break and be anxious about what it means for them. Over time, this will change and they will most likely look forward to the break as much as you do. 

Benefits of choosing Columbia for respite care

We encourage freedom of choice and independence for residents in all areas of daily life. We believe that a residential aged care home should be as much like a resident’s home as possible. With that in mind, we respect the dignity of each and every resident.

Those with special needs are provided with specific care to ensure they are comfortable at all times. You receive the continuity of care through your own GP.

Columbia offers professional advice and assistance to meet the individual needs of residents through carer consultations.

Columbia’s innovative monitoring systems ensure that all residents are safe at all times. We offer our award winning Wellness Program which focuses on wellness rather than frailty and illness. The program offers residents the chance not only to improve fitness but socialise and enhance their general wellbeing.

The cost of respite care

The current rate of respite is set by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

If you receive Australian Government subsidised respite care in an aged care home, you will be asked to pay a basic daily care fee, which is a flat fee. The maximum fee for all residential respite care is set at the pensioner rate of basic daily care fee.

You may also be asked to pay a booking fee to assist in organising your care and to secure your respite place. The booking fee is a prepayment of respite care fees and not an extra payment.

Is there any limit to respite care?

You may have 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of an extension of 21 days at a time if necessary if the ACAT team deems it appropriate.

How do I apply?

To apply for respite there are 3 easy steps:

1. Contact your local Columbia Aged Care Centre
2. Provide a copy of the support plan number through the My Aged Care website  (www.MyAgedCare.gov.au) , this gives us access to your from the ACAT (assessment form)
3. Fill out the necessary enquiry pack that you will receive from Columbia.

What do I need to bring?

The resident will need to bring adequate clothing, toiletries and medications for their stay. You will need to discuss medications with the Facility Services Manager prior to entry as we need to ensure it meets our legislative requirements. They might also like to bring any small item which will make their stay more enjoyable. However, we do not advise any large items, such as chairs, furniture, electrical equipment, unless previously discussed with the Facility Services Manager.

Helpful contact numbers

Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on 1800 059 059 or http://www.commcarelink.health.gov.au/

Ageing and Aged Care Division: www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/Ageing-1

Department of Health and Ageing: www.health.gov.au

Seniors Portal: www.seniors.gov.au

Federal, State and Local Government information: www.gov.au

Home and Community Care (HACC): www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/Home+and+Community+Care-1