Great Lakes Aged Care in Bulahdelah is once again offering free respite care from now until the end of January 2017.

This offer is available to any resident requiring short term care including those recuperating following a hospital stay or members of the community waiting placement in an Aged Care facility.

Additionally, carers who are suffering from stress or illness or who simply just need a break would also benefit from this offer.

Executive Officer Errol Curran said serving as a primary caregiver is a selfless job.

“Full-time carers are on call 24/7 and it can be quite demanding,” he said.

“More often or not, carers do not get to do the things they need or want to do, so the free respite will give people the opportunity to have a break and refresh.”

Mr Curran told News Of The Area residents taking up the free respite offer can expect the same high-standard of care given to any other resident of the facility.

“It is person-centred care that is based upon the individual’s needs,” he said.

“It’s about providing the intensive care that carers are responsible for so they can take some time for themselves and rejuvenate.”

The free respite care program was first offered in 2012 and Mr Curran said there had been a great response in the past.

“If you’re thinking about it, get in sooner rather than later so that you’re not disappointed if there are no vacancies,” he said.

The program is funded through a Federal Government Subsidy so there are no costs, fees or hidden charges.

A minimum period of one week applies.

For further information or to make a booking, please contact Director of Nursing Kathryn Freihaut or
Administration Officer Kim Blackwood on 49974122.

By Daniel SAHYOUN