A vital Berwick carer support service has changed its name and location, but is still offering invaluable respite opportunities for carers.

Southern Flexible Respite Service (formerly Avebury House) is a day respite service supporting carers living or caring for someone who is frail aged or has dementia in the Southern Metropolitan Region.  It offers around 23 guests social interaction, community access through an ‘Out and About’ program, rehabilitation and activities, as well as a support network for carers.

Run by not-for-profit aged and disability services organisation Villa Maria, the service has now moved from Avebury Drive to the Salvation Army Complex in Berwick. 

For carers like Endeavour Hills resident Les Vella, knowing his wife Connie is cared for while he is at work is important.  Connie, 54, began attending the service five years ago after she suffered a cardiac arrest, leaving her with an acquired brain injury.

“Connie had to be revived twice after the accident and she’s shocked doctors since then with her progress,” Les said. “She is improving slowly and I think going to Villa Maria each day has helped to aid that.”   Les said Connie had formed strong bonds with other care recipients and staff and enjoyed regular outings in the community.  “She loves it, it’s like a second home for her,” he said.

Without the service, the father-of-two said he’d be forced to give up work which would impact the family financially, and also affect his wellbeing. “I would probably become pretty agitated – I prefer to be working,” Les said.

Southern Flexible Respite Service Coordinator Cathy Kenny said the service also gave carers who didn’t work full-time some precious time to themselves.

“It gives people the opportunity to go and have lunch, go to the movies, do their shopping, housework, or just relax,” she said.

Following the name change and move, Ms Kenny said the service would also soon be offering a second ‘Out and About’ program specifically for carers and care recipients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Funded by the Australian Government through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) and client fees, the program will be run in partnership with the Migrant Resource Centre and Advocacy Disability Ethnicity Community (ADEC). The CALD program includes in-home and facility-based support and is open to carers of CALD backgrounds who live in the City of Casey and care for people aged over 65 who are frail aged or have dementia.

For more information on Southern Flexible Respite Service please call 1300 650 615.