Day respite programs provide an important service for both carers and those being cared for. The new Envigor-run day respite centre at Seasons Bribie Island is giving carers and their loved one access to a fun program in a retro-style environment.
Day respite offers support to people with high care needs and their carers, providing a break for carers to take care of other areas of their lives while giving those being cared for access to meaningful social interaction and activities.
According to Cheryl Rowell, Envigor’s Care Manager at Seasons Bribie Island, the newly opened day respite centre offers a small group environment that suits a wide range of clients.
“Anybody can make use of a day respite program, they could have a cognitive impairment, they could be a high risk of falls, have mobility issues and trouble getting out and about to be social, anyone who likes to keep busy, anyone who doesn’t get a lot of visitors might want to come and join the program and be socially active for the day,” says Cheryl.
“The program is designed to suit the participants and what they like to do, things to keep them busy and give them purpose. Envigor carers will run a full-day program that will take into account the individual clients and their likes and dislikes.
“It can also allow carers to have a day to themselves.”
When it came to designing the space, Cheryl says that nostalgia and fun was the key.
“We wanted to go for a retro look, so Karina, Seasons Bribie Island’s community manager, and myself went around to a lot of shops to find 60s and 70s style things that people could relate to – for those with cognitive impairments but also for those who were in their 40s and 50s back in the 60s. We were looking for interesting stuff that could spark conversation. We had a ball putting it together!”
As well as the activities in the day respite apartment, the program also facilitates interaction with the wider daily activity program within the community.
“Right next door to our day respite room is The Oasis which is the bigger activities area and we have access through a back door here so we can take our clients from here in to join the activities going on next door if they need to participate,” says Cheryl.
“This program includes exercise classes, bingo, hoy, large scrabble, painting, card making, quizzes and trivia and indoor bowls and also just the chance to socialise and have a cup of tea.”
Why is day respite important?
Day respite provides a range of benefits for both carers and their loved ones:
- Gives carers time for themselves to look after other aspects of their lives
- Promotes wellness for carers, allowing them to recharge their batteries to continue in their caring role and provide quality care
- Can help people remain living in their own home for longer
- Supports social participation for those with higher care needs that may be at risk of feeling isolated in their own home
- Allows those with higher care needs to take part in activities they enjoy