Respite care and support for children

Villa Maria Disability Services offers four unique and vibrant houses located in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne (Croydon, Lilydale, Kew and Wheelers Hill) which provide overnight respite care and support for individuals aged 6 to 18 years of age.

Our respite care and support aims to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment for an individual, as well as supporting an individual's needs and those of their families and carers.

We are passionate about assisting families to develop each person's dreams and aspirations, and our staff are enthusiastic and creative about ensuring each individual's respite care and support experience is a positive one.

Every staff member participates in regular ongoing training in areas which are relevant to the people accessing our programs.

All of the houses are equipped with specialised aids to support the needs of each individual.

Some of the many exciting experiences individuals can explore at our houses include:

• Play equipment including trampolines located in the large backyards;
  
• A range of art and craft materials, toys, puzzles, books, videos, music and CD's;
  
• A Guinea Pig enclosure;
  
• Sensory gardens to relax in; and
  
• A variety of fun and creative house and community-based respite care activities.

 Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in Overnight Respite Care, the individual with a disability must:

• Reside in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne ;
  
• Live at home with family or carers;
  
• Be eligible for services under the Disability Services Act 2006;
  
• Be medically stable; and
  
• Be aged between 6 and 18 years.

Referrals

Referrals for respite care and support can be made by anyone including family, carers, Case Managers or education services by contacting the Family and Referrals Coordinator on
T: (03) 9809 6823.
 

Costs

Fees are payable for respite services and vary depending on the service used. Families experiencing financial hardship may request fee assistance.
 

Further Information

Contact Villa Maria Disability Services T: (03) 9809 6823

Villa Maria Respite Services is funded by the Department of Human Services, Eastern Metropolitan Region.