South West Rural Respite Services

What is Carealot & the South West Rural Respite Service?

The South West Rural Respite Service (SWRRS) provides in home respite services for primary carers. This allows the primary carer to take a much earned break. Our service also provides ongoing support and information for the primary carer. Carealot Home Health Services is the auspicing body for this program which is a Commonwealth government initiative funded through the National Respite for Carers Program. Primary carers access to the SWRRS is decided only on the basis of relative need and the capacity of the service to meet that need.

What is respite care?

Respite care is a service that allows the primary carer "to take a break". Our care workers are trained to attend to the needs of the person you care for, giving you time for yourself or allowing you to attend to other tasks.

While you are having a break, our care worker can provide:

Companionship
Housekeeping and Cleaning
Personal Carealot Meal Preparation and Feeding
Sleep-Overs
Medication Prompting

In home respite care can be provided on a planned and/or emergency basis. The care is designed to meet your needs and may be taken as:

6 hours per week, or
a 12 hour Sleep-Over fortnightly, or
a 24 hour Live-In occasionally

We also provide a Day Club / Drop-In Centre known as "The Friendship Club" one day a week in Bridgetown for the primary carer and care recipient living in the surrounding areas.

Respite care can be provided on a planned and/or emergency basis.

Who Can Use This Service?

Primary Carers of individuals who care for:

People with dementia,
People with dementia and challenging behaviours.
The frail aged (over 65 or over 50 if indigenous),
Younger people with a disability (under 65 or under 50 if indigenous), and
People with a terminal illness who need palliative care.

These people should also live in the local government areas of:

Augusta, Busselton, Bunbury, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Capel, Collie, Donnybrook-Balingup, Dardanup, Harvey, Manjimup and Nannup.

A primary carer can be a parent, a husband, a wife, a neighbour, a close friend or a relative.

How do I find out more about respite care?

The South West Rural Respite Services can be contacted on 9751 1077. Our office hours are 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, however, we can still be contacted on this telephone number for emergency care requirements out of office hours.

How much will the respite care cost me?

A small fee is charged for your respite care, however no service will be denied if this cannot be afforded. Please contact us on the above number to be advised of our current fee rates.

What are my rights?

You as a primary carer and the person you care for have the right to:

Be treated with respect in regards to their independence and dignity of both the carer and person for whom they care while ensuring privacy and confidentiality at all times;
The SWRRS being responsive to the diverse social, cultural and physical experiences and needs of carers and the persons for whom they care;
Access services which is decided on the basis of need and the capacity of the service to meet that need;
Be clearly informed of the details of the service to be provided and any fees to be charged preferably in writing;
Be informed about any options for support open to him or her;
Be informed of his or her rights and responsibilities in relation to NRCP respite services;
Be involved in decisions about the assessment and care plan. SWRRS shall take into account the carer's views when planning, managing and evaluating service provision;
Be informed and negotiate with the SWRRS before any changes are made to the service being provided, including discharge or transfer to another service provider;
Be advised of the standards to expect in relation to services he or she receives as well as the identity and professional status of any care provider attending;
Continue to receive services agreed upon by SWRRS, taking the carer's changing needs into account as well as the changing needs of the person being cared for;
Access to information about him or her held by SWRRS. The care recipient also as the right to access information held by SWRRS;
Access to information held by SWRRS about a person being cared for where the carer is the legal guardian or has been so authorized by the person receiving care;
Refuse or the care recipient has the right to refuse a service which will not in any way prejudice them in accessing SWRRS services in the future;
Complain and have their complaint dealt with in a fair and prompt manner without retribution;
Mediation whereby SWRRS can attempt to negotiate a solution when a conflict about a service arises between the carer and the person being cared for;
Their own choice of advocate to represent his or her interests;
The SWRRS carer providing the service required in a safe manner.

What are my responsibilities?

The South West Rural Respite Services believe that the client has a responsibility to:

Understand their rights.
In most instances, understand the nature of the illness and reason for service.
In most instances, know the care recipient's family health history.
Keep appointments, or give adequate notice of intention not to do so.
Treat staff with respect and courtesy.
Take responsibility for the results of any decisions which are jointly made with staff about care arrangements.
Provide a safe work environment for staff and assist them in providing the care worker and person for whom they care with services.

What if I am not happy with the Service?

The South West Rural Respite Services Program Manager is available to discuss any concerns, expression of dissatisfaction or complaint you may have with services provided. Be assured that any complaint received will be attended to promptly.

Who are my Advocates?

Advocacy services are available and can act on your behalf to discuss any concerns you may have with us or any other service provider. Advocacy Services can:

Provide you with information and advice about your rights and responsibilities.
Support you to be involved in decisions affecting your life.
Assist you to resolve problems or complaints in relation to aged care services.
Promote the rights of older people to the wider community.

Advocacy Services

1800 700 600 Free National Aged Care Advocacy Line

1800 655 566 Advocare