Interchange provides respite care and support services that can be purchased on a full cost recovery basis.
Agencies may purchase these services on behalf of families.
All Interchange carers are subjected to both police and reference checks.
Flexible Care
Respite care for people with disabilities of all ages. This service is not restricted to residents of Knox, Yarra Ranges and Maroondah.
The Flexible Care Program provides people with disabilities and their families access to respite care within the family home or out and about in the community.
Emphasis is placed on quality of care. Care provided is consistent, flexible, tailored to a family’s needs and delivered in a manner which enhances the independence and dignity of the person being cared for. Carers are employed on a casual basis and provided with ongoing support and training opportunities.
Interchange provides Flexible Care on a full cost recovery basis. Agencies may purchase care on behalf of families.
Costs vary depending on time and day that care is provided. Base unit cost is $31.13per hour, GST included.
Specialised Care - 24-48 Hour Care
This service provides families of children and young people with high support needs, access to out of home respite care.
Carers are matched to a child or young person with high support needs. Care is provided in the carer's own home for a minimum 24 hour period.
Care can be purchased on either a once off basis or as an ongoing regular arrangement. Care arrangements are flexible and are negotiated between the carer and family. Interchange staff provide support for the duration of the arrangement.
Specialised Care operates:
- As a core service funded by Department of Human Services (HACC). Availability is limited and basic Interchange eligibility applies for this program.
- As a purchasable program, open to all ages and regions, operating on a full cost recovery basis. Agencies may purchase Specialised Care on behalf of families. Service cost is $9.90 per hour.