Day respite centre officially opens in Walcha
Today sees the new day respite centre for older people and those living with dementia officially open at Apsley Riverview Hostel, Walcha, in the New England Tablelands.
Presbyterian Aged Care was one of only 30 successful applicants around Australia for the demonstration program to operate day respite in a residential care facility. Apsley Riverview was the only service given funding in the New England region.
“The Willow Wing extension will provide valuable additional space for residents of Apsley Riverview as well as being the venue for the day respite service three days per week,” said Paul Sadler, CEO of Presbyterian Aged Care NSW & ACT (PAC).
PAC’s day respite service commenced in April 2008, initially operating from the main hostel. The dedicated centre allows PAC Apsley Riverview to expand the number of clients up to 15 people per day for three days per week. The new centre also has the capacity to provide extended hours to assist working carers and emergency respite where needed and will provide a varied program for clients attending day care, including outings in the Apsley Riverview bus.
“The new day respite centre effectively completes the building program for Apsley Riverview. It exemplifies the commitment Presbyterian Aged Care has to extend and improve the service we provide to Walcha and surrounding districts,” said Mr Sadler.
The Australian Department of Health & Ageing is providing the funding for the new day respite service from its National Respite for Carers Program. Up to $1.1 million in operating funding will be provided for the PAC Apsley Riverview Day Respite Service from 2008 to 2011.
