Respite For Nsw Carers - More Than $1.65 Million In Grants

Respite for NSW Carers - More Than $1.65 Million in Grants

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot today announced more than $1.65 million in one-off funding grants for 103 services across New South Wales that provide respite for the state's carers.

The funding is part of the Rudd Government's commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP), which this year will provide more than $200 million to respite services and programs in Australia.

Respite services provide valuable time-out for people who care for their friends or family members with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Minister Elliot said: "Carers across this nation play an important role in Australian society. They dedicate so much to improve the quality of the lives of our nation's elderly and for people with disabilities.

"Caring for someone full time is physically and emotionally demanding and carers need to be able to take deserved breaks," Minister Elliot 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.

"This $1.65 million is about helping those at the community level".

"It will help important local services continue to meet the needs of their communities," Minister Elliot said.

"These one-off grants will improve and support respite services for carers by covering costs such as minor building modifications or to purchase or replace equipment and furniture".

"I hear first hand how these important services assist families and carers. Respite can allow the carer to go to work for a few hours, go to the shops or socialise with friends," Minister Elliot said.

Community-based respite services are funded to provide respite opportunities in a variety of settings, such as:

* Day care centres which provide respite for a half or full day;
* In-home respite services, including overnight care and personal care services; * Activity programs;
* Respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviour; and
* Flexible respite in community settings.

For information about respite in your area please call Carelink on 1800 052 222 or for emergency respite outside of business hours on 1800 059 059.

Media contact: Kathryn Conroy 0448 249 447.


SOURCE: Justine Elliot - Minister for Ageing