Need a break?

• What is respite care?
• How does respite benefit families?
• What respite programs does Gateways offer?
• What is an Individual Support Package?
• I have an Individual Support Package. Can I access Gateways respite services as part of my package?
• Who is eligible for Gateways respite programs?
• What does respite care cost?
• How can my family get involved?

What is respite care?

Respite provides parents or carers with a break from their usual caring role. Respite can be provided either in your own home or the person with a disability can be supported in accessing leisure and recreational activities in the community.

Gateways will work with you to develop a respite plan that meets your needs and the needs of the person you care for.

How does respite benefit families?

Both the carer and their family member benefit enormously from respite. Respite gives carers the chance to recharge their batteries, have time to themselves or spend time with other family members. For the person who receives care, respite provides them with support to take part in activities they enjoy in their community and pursue their own interests.

What respite programs does Gateways offer?

Respite programs run by Gateways include:

• Flexicare Children's Respite - provides respite to carers of a child or young person that may have an intellectual disability, autism and/or a physical disability.

• Flexicare Adult Respite - provides respite to carers of an adult with an intellectual disability, autism and/or a physical disability.

• Respite for Carers of People with Dementia - provides respite to people caring for a person with dementia.

• Respite for Carers of people who are Frail Aged - provides respite to people caring for a person who is frail and aged.

• Interchange Program - this program matches a child or young person with a disability with a volunteer, who includes them in their family or individual activities on a regular basis.

• Boost 4 Kids Respite - provides out-of-home, overnight respite care for children and young people with complex medical needs.

What is an Individual Support Package?

An Individual Support Package is disability funding allocated to a person by the Victorian Department of Human Services. This funding helps the person with a disability and their family meet their support needs and achieve their goals.

Funds from an Individual Support Package can be used to buy a range of supports including respite, independent living services and short term case managment provided by Gateways. If you would like more information about Individual Support Packages phone 1800 675 132 or go to www.dhs.vic.gov.au\disability

I have an Individual Support Package. Can I access Gateways respite services as part of my package?

Gateways is an approved provider of services under the Individual Support Package scheme. If you have a package email Gateways via Contact Us or phone 5221 2984 for more information about our services.

Who is eligible for Gateways respite programs?

Families caring for a child or adult who has a disability, and families caring for a person who is frail aged or has dementia are all eligible for Gateways respite programs.

Gateways is also a provider of services to people with an Individual Support Package.

People seeking respite services via Carer Respite & Carelink Services can also request that Gateways provide their respite care.

What does respite care cost?

The fees and charges for Gateways Respite and Recreation programs vary according to the type of program. Go to the information about programs for further information.

How can my family get involved?

Contact the Gateways Respite and Recreation team via Contact Us or by phoning 5221 2984.