Our aged care program

The Respite Connections aged care team operates in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne, providing expert and local advice, support in times of crisis, and the tools you need to plan for the future.

We understand what caring families are going through and can help you to evaluate your situation and link up to the local services and supports that best meet your needs.

Who do we help?

You can access our aged care services if you:

• Care for somebody aged 65 or older (50 or older for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background) or somebody with dementia who lives in the community; and you
• Live in the local government areas of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham or Hobsons Bay

We prioritise carers with few or limited formal supports.

If you are caring for somebody younger than 65 you may be able to access our mental health or disability services.

If you live in a local government area not covered by us you may be able to use similar services provided by one of the other respite and carer support organisations across Victoria.

How can we help?

• We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
• We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
• We give workshops on topics of interest to carers
• We provide information about appropriate respite vacancies in aged care settings
• We link you to other services that may be able to help
• We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations

We work hard to raise the profile of caring families in the West, partnering with other organisations to help them to develop services that are sensitive to the needs of people who are aged and to the needs of the families that care for them.

Carers@Work

Many carers find it difficult to balance paid employment with their caring responsibilities.

The Respite Connections Carers@Work program helps you to stay in or look for paid employment by arranging flexible respite options for the person you support. We can provide specialised advice if you:

• Care for someone who is frail aged or has dementia and lives in their own home or with you
• Are in paid employment or have a definite plan to return to work
• Find it hard to balance your work and caring responsibilities
• Live in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne

Read our factsheet to find out more.

Arrange a referral

Freecall 1800 052 222 anywhere in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne (free call from landlines, mobile calls at mobile rates). Our staff can assess your eligibility and make a direct referral.

You can also ask your GP, case manager or support worker to make a referral with your consent.

Your confidentiality and privacy

Our aged care program is completely confidential and we handle the personal information you share with us according to the legal standards set by government. Read our privacy policy for more information.