Respite
The Loddon Mallee Carer Respite and Carelink Centre
is operated by Bendigo Health and provides a central information point for carers, to assist and support them in accessing services including respite care.
Area:
Operates in the local government areas of Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mildura, Mount Alexander, Swan Hill
Freecall:
1800 068 978 (Carer Support Services)
Phone:
03 5454 7719
Office:
37 Havlin St East, Bendigo, 3550
Your Local Palliative Care team
Your local Palliative Care Service may be able to put you in contact with volunteers who could help or they may be able to let you know of other respite services operated locally. These include Planned Activities Groups which may be provided by local councils, day centres, neighborhood houses, hospitals or community health centres.
Overnight (out-of-home) Respite
Hospitals, aged care facilities and supported accommodation services can sometimes offer short stays for respite purposes.
Please note: For Aged Care facilities you may need an assessment from your local Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). A waiting period may apply.
Chum House Day Hospice Bendigo
The Chum House Day Hospice in Bendigo offers palliative care clients and their carers the Loddon Mallee Region a supportive environment to enjoy social interaction and enjoyable activities. Call 5454 8929 or 0407 050 901
Emergency Respite
Emergency respite is sometimes available to assist with sudden illness, accidents, family troubles or emergencies that impact on the carer role. It can be provided by Specialist Palliative Care Units in some limited situations. Otherwise useful contacts are:
Carers Victoria provides information about respite services and can be rung on Freecall 1800 242 636
My Aged Care provides advice and referrals about the aged care systems including how to access respite and aged care assessments. Call 1800 200 422