Open invite to place of respite

STAFF at a new respite centre south-west of Ballarat are inviting everyone to see the facilities tomorrow prior to its opening on Monday.

Set to offer 24/7 disability support for people with high needs like autism, and their carers, Ross Creek Respite director Ken Dyer said the open day will be about showcasing what the centre will offer the community.

“This site will offer a minimum of 24 hours and up to 24 hours support,” he said.

“The open day will give people the opportunity to walk around the property and meet some of the staff, and open to families and other disability organisations that aren’t set up to deal with higher needs behaviours.

“Particularly a rural setting is more conducive to settling behaviours. There’s not as much going on. Not a lot changes in the setting, but it’s a more peaceful, quiet surrounding.”

Ten support staff will be on hand at the facility with the capacity to cater to up to two people at a time.

Mr Dyer has worked in the respite sector for about 15 years with experience at Aruma and McCallum Disability Services as well as his own small business KDS Behaviour Support.

He said he established Ross Creek Respite after he saw a need for a helping to lend a break for carers in the disability support sector.

“There’s a gap in the support and for how wearing that can be on parents, or family members,” he said.

“Those people require a break to continue supporting the person, otherwise they just get burnt out.

“I think we can do better, especially in the disability sector. I’ve noticed a lot of organisations putting up adverts for staff with no experience required so there’s definitely been a shortfall.

“No support worker that will be with us will have less than four years’ experience.”

Ross Creek Respite can be found at 15 Haleys Road, Ross Creek and the open day will run from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday 9 September.