Purchased Respite Services

Purchased Respite Services

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 support workers have current police, reference and Working with Children checks.

Flexible Care

Flexible Care provides support to people with disabilities of all ages. This service is not restricted to residents of Knox, Yarra Ranges and Maroondah.

Support can be accessed within the family home or out and about in the community. Support is available for respite, community access, personal care, transport and overnight support including sleepovers and active nights. Flexible Care also provides case management and assistance with coordination of services and lifestyle choices.

Emphasis is placed on quality of support. Support provided is consistent, flexible, tailored to a family’s or individual’s needs and delivered in a manner which enhances the independence and dignity of the person being supported. Support workers 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 or families may purchase support themselves. Costs vary depending on time and day that care is provided.

For more information about the flexible care program contact Lauren Maddison, Flexible Care Team Leader lauren.maddison@ioe.org.au

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. 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.

Specialised Care Vacancies

Our Specialised Care Program requires families who can share their home with a young person for one or two days a month or, in some cases, bi monthly. A tax free reimbursement of $140 per 24 hours is provided. We are particularly keen to hear from families where there is a strong male figure who could act as a mentor or buddy. If you, your family or friends are interested in finding out more about the young people waiting for support through Specialised Care, Contact Colleen McCormack on 03 9758 5522 or email colleen.mccormack@ioe.org.au