The Maureen Guthrie Cottage is an extension of Waratah Respite Services Day Program and is attached to the Centre. The Cottage has six overnight beds to provide respite for carers of people who are frail aged or have dementia.
The respite Cottage is funded under the Commonwealth residential aged care program and complies with all the residential aged care requirements and quality standards. A small nightly contribution fee is set by the Government.
The duration of the respite stay is negotiable and flexible and can range from two nights to sixty three nights each financial year. The Cottage is staffed by qualified care workers 24 hours a day, including access to our Registered and Enrolled Nurses.
While our accommodation is classified as lower level care, people with high care respite approvals may also be able to be accommodated. A care plan is developed in consultation with each client and their carer. All overnight clients are encouraged and supported to participate in the social support programs each weekday if they would like.
What is in your room?
Each bedroom has an ensuite, hospital bed with a very comfortable mattress, an easy chair, a bedside table, a safe, a touch bedside lamp, a mini fridge, a nurse call system, an over head fan, a smart T.V & a reverse cycle air conditioner. We also have a variety of mobility aids that you can use whilst you are in respite.
What to bring with you?
Medications
In accordance with our policy and procedures all medications are administered from a Blister / Webster Pak.
The register nurse will request a health summary and medication chart from your doctor. Your doctor must be aware of all medications that you take including the over the counter medications such as vitamins to ensure the medication chart is correct. If you request Waratah staff to assist you with your medication, you will need to complete the New Resident Pharmacy form and organise for your scripts to be sent to Park Ave Pharmacy in Coffs Harbour. They will then organise your webster packs and deliver them to us. We can help you with this process.
Visiting
We encourage families, friends and carers to visit any time of the day or during the evenings. We also welcome any enquiries from carers during the respite period; telephone and emails will be passed on to clients upon request.
There may be times when visitor access is restricted due to COVID-19 or other restrictions.
Meals
Clients will be provided a light breakfast, morning tea, a nutritious two course lunch, afternoon tea, a two course dinner and supper.
We also have a small kitchenette in our lounge/dining area with tea and coffee making facilities, microwave and fridge for encouraging clients to maintain their independence whilst staying with us.
If you have any special dietary requirements or likes and dislikes please inform the Registered Nurse at your interview prior to the admission day.
If you are registered with My Aged Care and have a referral code for Residential Respite, please call Waratah Respite Services. If not, please call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register for services. If you are still a bit unsure about the process please contact us, we are more than happy to help.
Admission Interview
All potential clients are required to attend an admission interview with the Team Leader Residential Services to determine eligibility and priority of need. Please allow an hour for this visit as it is important that all paper-work is completed before respite services commence.
In this interview information will be gathered regarding the history, care needs, personal interests and goals.
Plan Ahead
It is recommended that you plan your respite well in advance to ensure there is a bed available at Waratah.
Important Notice
While Waratah Respite Services will endeavor to accommodate service requests for eligible persons, the service maybe refused in the following circumstances:
In all circumstances Waratah Respite Services will assist you or your carer to identify an alternate provider that best meets your needs.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, in particular the Gumbaynggirr nation where we work, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
We celebrate diversity, foster inclusion and value a community where everyone belongs
