Alice Springs, Darwin and Driver, Northern Territory.
The two original Respite Options for Senior Territorians (ROST) projects are based out of Darwin and Alice Springs. The latest ROST projects have opened in Palmerston (and since moved to Driver) and Old Timers Village and are targeted to provide support and respite for working carers.
Originally ROST was for those people of the Northern Territory who are fulfilling the role of carer for a person whose challenging behaviour prevents them from accessing other community supports and provides social stimulation for those people with challenging behaviours who are living alone. The subsequent services are targeting 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 it provided funding for respite care for people with dementia and other cognitive and behavioural disorders. The carers are located in and around Darwin and Alice Springs and in the remote communities of the northern region, they receive support, respite and resources to provide stimulation and social support.
In Darwin and Palmerston the project is managed by a Coordinator and 10 carers. In Alice Springs there is one Coordinator and a small team of four support staff. In 2004 the ROST Alice Springs program was given a Government grant to establish a day centre program. This day centre opened in April 2005.