Alice Springs, Darwin and Palmerston, Northern Territory
The original ROST programs are based in Darwin and Alice Springs. Two further ROST programs have been opened in Palmerston and Old Timers Village and are targeted to provide support and respite for working carers.
While the original ROST programs provide respite for those people living in the Northern Territory who are fulfilling the role of carer for a person whose challenging behaviour prevents them from accessing other community supports and provide social stimulation for those people with challenging behaviours who are living alone. The subsequent services support working carers of frail aged people. This criteria includes carers who are studying or working.
As part of its focus on resourcing the community to provide other than residential care for the elderly, the Commonwealth recognised the need to provide support and resources to those people who, due to their behaviours, could not access existing social or support groups in the community.
In 2000 the Commonwealth Government provided funding for respite care for people with dementia and other cognitive and behavioural disorders. The respite carers are located in and around Darwin and Alice Springs, as well as in the rural communities of the northern region. Carers receive support, respite and resources to provide stimulation and social support.
In Darwin and Palmerston, the program is managed by a Coordinator and 10 carers. In Alice Springs, there is one coordinator and a team of eight support staff. In 2004, the Alice Springs ROST program was given a Government grant to establish a day centre program. This day centre opened in April 2005.
Resources
Brochures/Posters
Alice Springs
ROST Central-McNair House
ROST Central-St Vincent Welch Cottage
Darwin
ROST Darwin
Palmerston
ROST Palmerston