Carers Victoria and Australian Multicultural Community Services are working together to support carers to take a break while the older person they care for enjoys safe, welcoming and meaningful social connection.
What is this service?
This group respite service gives older people the chance to spend time with others, take part in enjoyable activities, and stay connected with their community. At the same time, carers can have planned time for themselves to rest, attend appointments, run errands or simply pause from their caring role.
Why join our group?
For carers: A regular break, knowing the person you care for is supported in a safe and engaging group setting.
For multicultural communities: Support that values culture, language, food, traditions and connection.
For older people: Time to meet others, share stories, enjoy activities and outings, build confidence in the community.
For families: A simple way to support wellbeing for both the carer and the older person.
What might older people do?
Activities may include gentle movement, music, games, cultural activities, conversation, craft, community outings, shared morning tea or lunch, and opportunities to connect with people who have similar interests and backgrounds.
Who is it for?
This service may suit carers who support an older person aged 65 years or over, or 50 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, living in the Western Metropolitan area, and who would benefit from supported social connection in a group setting.
How it works
1.Contact Carers Victoria to discuss respite options and eligibility.
2.Carers Victoria will talk with you and the older person you care for about goals, preferences, safety and cultural needs.
3.Australian Multicultural Community Services will deliver the group activity and support older people to participate.
4.Carers Victoria will check in to make sure the service is meeting your needs.
Where and when the program is available
Respite and Social Connections for Older People happens in Seddon each Monday. The program begins at 10am and finishes at 2pm. Older people can be transported free to the program if needed. Pick up starts from 9am and drop off means the older person would be home by 3pm.
Interested or want to refer?
To ask about this respite option or make a referral, contact Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845. If the older person does not yet have a My Aged Care referral for respite, Carers Victoria can explain the next steps.
About the partnership.
Carers Victoria supports unpaid carers to access information, advice and respite services. Australian Multicultural Community Services supports older people and multicultural communities to stay connected, independent and included. Together, the organisations are helping carers take a break while older people enjoy safe, culturally responsive social participation
This service is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Although funding may be provided by the Australian Government, the material does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.
