November 2003

Home Host respite program wins award

Banksia Services for Seniors has been recognised for its Host Home program in the Organisational Excellence in Aged Care category at the 2003 Anglicare Australian Awards for Excellence and Innovation.

The program—managed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence—provides respite services for elderly people with dementia, employing trained workers to take three or four elderly persons into their homes for up to six hours once a week, giving carers a break from regular demanding duties.

Banksia Services Manager Ila Howard said the program addressed nationwide concerns about the lack of respite options available to carers.

The innovative program works to relieve isolation, financial hardship and grievance from carers by providing support groups, recuperation time or opportunities to continue work and attend to personal obligations or leisure activities.

‘It is about training and encouraging workers to develop a good relationship with carers, providing emotional support and friendship.’

At the launch of an evaluative report on the Host Home program by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Banksia was commended on setting the pace in respite care.

‘The potential for Host Home care to be replicated to encompass cultural, rural and disadvantaged communities worldwide is exciting,’ Ms Howard said.

Funded by Home and Community Care (HACC), the Aged Care Branch of the Department of Human Services and the Commonwealth Department Health and Ageing, Banksia has already begun helping other communities to emulate the Host Home respite program.

Banksia Services has joined Southern Peninsula Community Care in further developing Host Homes on the Peninsula.

‘We have already established three homes, one in Dromana and two in Rosebud with four clients attending each,’ said Manager of the Southern Peninsula Community Care Carol Wilson.

‘Offering this service on the Southern Peninsula has greatly enhanced the respite options for carers,’ Mrs. Wilson said.

• For more information contact Banksia Services For Seniors Manager Ila Howard on 9782 9322, email ihoward@bsl.org.au or visit www.bsl.org.au.