Villa Maria Catholic Homes' Flexible Respite Services offer a variety of daytime recreation programs and services to support the respite needs of both working and non-working carers. Carers may live or care for someone living in Melbourne's southern metropolitan region who is frail, aged over 65 years, is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged over 50 years, or is living with dementia.
Services include in-home respite, day respite, individual and small social group outings, and information for carers including assisted referrals to additional supports.
The Shanagolden respite program, run from VMCH's Shanagolden Retirement Village in Pakenham, focusses on providing interesting, fun and stimulating activities for seniors, most of whom have dementia or a cognitive impairment. Activities include indoor bowls, bingo, tai chi and monthly bus outings to local attractions.