NSW Health – New respite available for carers of people with mental health issues

Source: Hunter New England Health

A new mental health respite program for the Hunter is taking the pressure off those looking after a person with a mental illness.

Under the Federal Government’s Mental Health Respite Program, respite funding is now available specifically for carers of people with mental health issues.

In October 2007, additional funding was provided to the Hunter Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, a part of Hunter New England Health.

Mental Health Respite Coordinator Don Thorn said the increased funding is about people who care for a person with a mental illness the opportunity to live an independent life, while caring for a friend or loved one.

“Being a carer for someone who needs ongoing care or support to manage their daily life is a huge responsibility and often coincides with other family, work or community commitments,” Mr Thorn said

“For whatever reason, and whether it is for an hour, a day or a week, respite care can give carers the break they need.

“The intent of the program is to be flexible in its approach to individual carer needs. This may involve short-term or emergency respite, planned respite or a combination of respite types.”

The target groups of carers for this initiative include:

• Parent carers over 65 years (Indigenous carers over 50 years) who live with and care for children with a mental illness or psychiatric disability

• Non-residential parent carers over 65 years (Indigenous carers over 50 years) who are the primary carer of a child with a mental illness or psychiatric disability

• Carers of people with mental illness of any age who require crisis respite (unplanned respite)

• Carers aged 55 to 65 who live with and care for children with a mental illness/psychiatric disability

• Carers of people with an intellectual disability

For further information on the Mental Health Respite Program and other types of respite programs contact the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on free call 1800 059 059.