The following article was published in the Maroondah Journal last week. It emphasises the need for more households willing to provide respite care for children and young people with a disability.

Show some care and help families

3/06/2008 11:33:00 AM

A LACK of respite care in the outer east has prompted calls to address concerns from carers and struggling families.

Anglicare Victoria eastern region carer recruitment, training and retention spokeswoman Jessica Noske-Turner said there were concerns about the lack of support for families who struggled to care for a member with a disability.

She said a lack of respite was a “key debate” in the community.

“Although some organisations, such as Anglicare Victoria, run disability support programs to provide respite or full-time care, we are currently unable to meet the demand due to a serious shortage of volunteer carers.

“We’re looking for volunteer support for everything from transport, for a `friends’ program, through to respite or full-time care.”

Wantirna resident Meril Adams has been a carer at Anglicare eastern region for three years.

She said it was a rewarding role.

“We’ve had about 19 children from newborns to school age come and live with us, some overnight and some for weeks on end.

“It is always something my husband and I thought we would do – it was something we knew we could handle.”

She said there was a shortage of people willing to open their homes.

“Anyone can do it. You don’t have to be trained to put your hand up. You become an extended family to these children. It is very rewarding to look after these children.”

Mrs Adams said carers were vital to the health and wellbeing of families.

“Parents with children with a disability do need time out.

“Sometimes just having a child overnight can relieve an immense amount of pressure on a family.”

An information evening will be held at 7.30 on June 24 at Anglicare Victoria, 666 Mountain Highway, Bayswater. Details: 1300 889 335.