Funding for the Demonstration Day Respite pilot program extended, until 30 June 2012.

The Department of Health and Ageing, yesterday,  formally announced the extention of Demonstration Day Respite pilot programs for a further 12 months to 30 June 2012.

Providers in Victoria supported by the ACCV had expressed their concerns to the Department regarding the imminent end date of these projects - with no news as to whether the funding would be continued. For many carers using this form of respite - the only alternative would have been permanant residential care.

The text of the letter sent to pilot programs is below.

We will place the evalaution report on this site once it becomes public.

"I am pleased to inform you that funding for the Demonstration Day Respite pilot program will be extended, at your current level, for a further 12 months until 30 June 2012.  This extension will bring funding for this pilot program into line with that for other services delivered through the National Respite for Carers Program.  The Department will contact you shortly to discuss extending the funding agreements.  

As you are aware the Demonstration Day Respite model was announced in the 2007-08 Budget as a four-year pilot with funding scheduled to cease on 30 June 2011.  This pilot was implemented to evaluate if the provision of day respite services in aged care homes provided greater choice for carers and broadened the suite of services offered.  

The evaluation, conducted over two years (2009-2011) found that the pilot was effective in providing a break for carers, and gave carers and the people they care for more confidence about using residential care for either respite or permanent care.  It also found that the pilot was successful in providing services to the target groups, including people with dementia and challenging behaviours and special needs groups.  In addition the pilot also benefited the care staff, providing an opportunity to diversify their work and skills by adding day respite to their aged care home experience.  The pilot evaluation also found that the services were delivered at a higher than expected cost.  This finding will need to be considered in any future provision of this service type.

Please find attached a copy of the final evaluation report.  This report will be made public in the next few weeks.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your valuable contribution in making this pilot a success.  

If you have any other questions please contact the Department by email to NRCP.mailbox@health.gov.au

Thank you again for your participation in the pilot program. "