Flexible respite packages

This project aims to give people with spinal cord injury, their family or primary carer choice in obtaining access to flexible respite that is meaningful to them, and provides a positive experience.

In order to be eligible for the program applicants must meet the following criteria:

•    have a spinal cord injury;  
•    be a member of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia;
•    not be a lifetime care recipient;
•    not be a staff member of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia;
•    be over the age of 18; and
•    live in NSW.

Currently an average package of support will be around $2,000 and will cover one-off costs towards a holiday, some costs to enable an informal carer to have a break, or crisis support.

Transition

The second priority is to provide one-off funding to assist people with the transition from the rehabilitation unit to their home following a spinal cord injury. 

Operating through our Peer Support Team, we work closely with the clinical staff within the units to identify and provide additional resources, assistive aids, training, or care outside of that traditionally provided.

The funding will provide solutions to some of the major safety issues people face when they return to the community, ensuring that people who live alone have communication devices, and assisting families to play an active role throughout the rehabilitation process.

For information about the program or to apply for respite contact Christina Stevens (02 4225 1366; respite@scia.org.au).