The team at the Anglicare Nalingu Day Respite Centre in Zillmere, Brisbane, has been named as finalists for the Reconciliation Team award at next month's Anglicare Southern Queensland Excellence Awards.
The award acknowledges individuals and teams for building positive relationships with Indigenous people and delivering services in a culturally safe and inclusive manner.
The winner will be revealed at the Excellence Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 24.
Announced last week, it follows National Carers Week (15-21 October), a period dedicated to acknowledging and honouring all carers who offer unpaid care and assistance to family members or friends.
Carers Australia reports that there are 2.65 million carers in Australia, collectively contributing 2.2 billion hours of unpaid care annually.
Anglicare Southern Queensland Group Manager Home and Community, Sue Montgomery, said it was important that carers take time out for themselves so they can continue to provide quality care to their loved ones.
"Staff at Nalingu Day Respite Centre are trained to provide support to carers by offering short-term professional centre-based care to people from all cultural backgrounds," Ms Montgomery said.
"Featuring an extended Dementia Care Program, Nalingu enables carers to take a break and recharge their batteries with peace of mind; and it gives clients the opportunity to spend their day in a way they enjoy, whether that is building friendships, participating in activities or simply relaxing.
"Our experienced and qualified team ensure the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the client are met, with respect for their dignity, self-worth and individuality."
The respite centre provides a range of activities, including arts and crafts, quizzes, music, reminiscing, indoor and outdoor games, seated exercises, and visits to Bunnings, among others.
Additionally, extended dementia respite hours are accessible for carers who work, study, or volunteer and face challenges in caring for loved ones with dementia.
"This support is extended to the carers as well as the clients," Ms Montgomery said.
"One of our goals is to support carers so they can continue providing the amazing love and care they give for as long as possible. What we do in part, they do full-time.
"It is our honour to assist them and to care for their loved ones."
For those who qualify to have their loved ones in the extended dementia care program, the hours are from 6am until 6pm and a person can attend for all or part of the day.
A client's family member said "The respite centre has been a life saver. Mum loves having fun there, and it gives me time back to achieve what I need to for myself while knowing she is in safe hands".
"Mum is able to receive government funding, which helps ease the financial pressures a lot of carers would feel when it comes to seeking assistance."
