Respite

Interchange Host Program (Respite for children)

https://www.interchange.org.au/

The Host Program matches a child or young person with a disability with a host volunteer, who provides care for the child on a regular basis, such as one weekend a month, one day a fortnight or a few hours each week.

The Host Program provides opportunities for friendship and positive experiences for children with a disability, as well as provides families with a break from their caring role.

Respite supports and Services

During these teenage years, families may experience a greater need for respite. In Victoria, there are different types of respite supports and services available including:  

• in-home support – a support worker will look after the person with a disability in their home, giving the regular carer a break
• overnight or weekend facility-based services  
• community-based respite – including one-on-one or group outings, social or leisure activities, camps and school holiday programs
• host family – care in the home of a volunteer or host family for a child or young person with a disability (usually over a weekend).
• Support might be available for a couple of hours, a day, a weekend, a week or more (although availability of respite supports and services does vary in different areas).
• Emergency respite might also be available for carers who, unexpectedly, cannot undertake their care role – for example, if they need to go into hospital.

We recommend that you discuss your respite needs with your support coordinator or  local disability service providers