Respite Service
Cootharinga provides a quality range of respite options through its Respite Service, delivering regular planned, time limited breaks, for families and caregivers. It allows peace of mind and relaxation for the caregiver while having a break with the knowledge that the person usually 'cared for' is being provided with support in their absence. The capacity of older parent carers to continue caring for their family member with a disability diminishes over time. As carers age they can experience failing health, reduced energy and exhaustion. Consequently, the need for support, particularly respite support, increases as carers’ age. Through the Older Parent Carers Project, respite services can be provided for clients and their families as well as seeking alternate long term support arrangements.
Our role is to provide support for clients ensuring they receive the highest level of service and respect, with minimum intrusion and maintaining the privacy of the individual.
Cootharinga’s clients are supported in their own homes through the Supported Accommodation Service (SAS). The needs and chosen goals of our clients shape their daily activities and the support provided. Consequently, each house has its own unique character. Our goal is to support our clients in their own homes, and are dedicating our efforts to this.
Whilst clients are supported in a manner which enhances their involvement and inclusion in the community plus their independence and self determination, they are also offered the support which is unique to their needs.
With funding from Disability Services Queensland, support workers are employed for specified periods and undertake tasks based on the expressed needs of clients and their families.
Individual Lifestyle Planning (ILP) is a process through which each client identifies a lifestyle and quality of life which they consider meaningful and fulfilling for them. The ILP is then the guide for the support provided by Cootharinga to the client to achieve their goals.
The ILP process emphasises client participation, assisting Cootharinga in integrating information and working together with clients, their families and care givers to achieve outcomes desired by clients. These outcomes may relate to routine daily home life, communication, community involvement, leisure and recreation, accommodation, vocation, education, health and other issues.
The ILP is a written plan of action. It specifies client's strengths, agreed upon priorities, goals, objectives and action plans designed to meet the needs and ambitions of a person with a disability.
GOALS are a statement of long term aim.
OBJECTIVES are measurable and achievable targets which bring the goal a step closer.
ACTION PLANS state clearly the steps to be taken in order to achieve stated objectives.
ILPs for each client are formally reviewed annually, but are continually monitored and modified throughout the year. The ILP also performs a number of other important functions such as storing information for future use, providing guidelines for program development and reviews and alerting staff when the quality of service falls below a certain standard.