Tailored approach to social respite activities

ST John’s Community Care has a reputation for finding gaps in care and developing programs that can fill them and the new Long Day Social Respite Program is a program that does just that.

The program, which started in Cairns, Gordonvale, Mareeba and Innisfail in July this year, is aimed at supporting carers who are looking for a break during the day to participate in their community, either through employment, study or volunteer work.

St John’s Long Day Social Respite can cater for a full working day or any part of the day during business hours.

The trained staff develop a plan that is tailored just for you and the person you care for, taking into account the times that suit you, as well as the interests and needs of the person who will be spending time at the centre.

The all-ages program can help you with pick-up and drop off if required, and has activities to suit everyone.

Available in Cairns, Gordonvale, Mareeba and Innisfail, the program is designed to create a home-like environment, with the aim of making people feel comfortable and safe.

There is no requirement for a formal assessment to access the program and people with Home Care Packages are able to use the program as part of their package.

At just $16, which includes transport if required and meals and snacks, the full-day package is great value for money.

The Long Day Social Respite service has proved to be very popular, and carers are encouraged to call and discuss the benefits of the program with the friendly staff at St John’s Community Care.

Centres are available for carer visits by appointment and St John’s will work with you to ensure that your needs and the needs of your loved ones are catered for.

If you are caring for someone over the age of 18 who has any form of neural problem, St John’s Community Care can help you.