Respite

Respite provides time for carers to take a break from caring, and to recharge. Jewish Care operates a vital respite service for family members caring for a person with a disability.

Parents and carers can be overwhelmed by the daily responsibility of caring for a child or adult with a disability. Our respite service offers weekend or overnight breaks, allowing carers to take some time for themselves. To give comfort and understanding throughout this sometimes difficult journey, Jewish Care also offers a specialised counselling service.

Children's Respite House

Children's Respite House is a home away from home designed especially for children with a disability aged 6 to 17 years, who normally live at home with their families. Operating on weekends, Jewish holidays, public and school holidays, Children’s Respite House offers both day and sleepover respite.


Children and teenagers benefit from social interaction, recreational opportunities and leisure time – all enjoyed within a safe and friendly Jewish environment. Our short-term respite care helps families to take a break from their sometimes stressful daily routine.

Adults with a Disability

When children reach the age of 18, they would no longer be eligible for Children’s Respite services.

For adults with a disability, respite can assist in building the skills needed for independent living. The most appropriate living situation for many adults with a disability is in a group home or other supported environment. Jewish Care’s out- of- home respite care enables a person with a disability to trial this option, explore community resources and prepare themselves and their families for the transition to independent living.

Jewish Care provides respite support for adults with a disability. We can accommodate up to three people with a disability overnight; and up to six individuals during the day in our fifth Villa at Glen Eira Villas, our Adult Respite Villa.

Recreational Groups

Jewish Care offers a number of age and ability-specific recreational groups for people with disabilities and their siblings. Activities include attendance at community events, sporting and social pursuits, picnics and barbecues. Usually held fortnightly or monthly, these groups provide a place for Jewish people with disabilities to meet and socialise with people of similar age groups.

Groups available for people with low support needs include:
  • Social Animals: for 18 to 25 year olds, meets fortnightly
  • B’Yachad (Together): for over 25's, meets fortnightly

Masada is a recreational group which meets fortnightly for people over 25 who have high support needs. For siblings aged 8 to 12, the My Time group meets monthly.
Helping families to take a break from their sometimes stressful daily routines.
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