A new $700,000 day respite centre for older people and people with dementia was officially opened at Apsley Riverview Hostel, 2e Hill Street, Walcha at February 25.

Presbyterian Aged Care NSW and ACT CEO, Paul Sadler, said the Willow Wing extension provided valuable additional space for residents of Apsley Riverview. It was also the venue for the day respite service three days per week, he said.

The day respite service commenced in April 2008, initially operating from the main hostel.  The dedicated centre allows PAC Apsley Riverview to expand the number of clients up to 15 people per day for three days per week.

Already this is proving to be a very important service for carers of older people or those with dementia in Walcha and the surrounding region.  It provides them with access to a support service that reduces carer burden and frees up the carers to undertake vital activities to maintain their health and wellbeing.

PAC was one of only 30 successful applicants around Australia for the demonstration program to operate day respite in a residential care facility.  Apsley Riverview was the only service to be funded in the New England.

Key features of the PAC Apsley Riverview Day Respite Service include:

• Day respite offered for three days per week, with links to other community care services or respite care in the hostel if needed.
• Capacity to provide extended hours to assist working carers and emergency respite where needed.
• A varied program for clients attending day care, including outings in the Apsley Riverview bus.

The Australian Department of Health and Ageing provides the funding for the day respite service from its National Respite for Carers Program.  In all, up to $1.1 million in operating funding will be provided for the PAC Apsley Riverview Day Respite Service from 2008 to 2011.

Construction of the Willow Wing extension cost around $700,000 and was funded from the Apsley Riverview reserves held by PAC.  Presbyterian Aged Care acknowledges a contribution of $75,000 to help set up the service from the Australian Government under the National Respite for Carers Program.

"The new day respite centre effectively completes the building program for Apsley Riverview," Mr Sadler said. "It exemplifies the commitment Presbyterian Aged Care has to extend and improve the service we provide to Walcha and surrounding districts.”