A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Thursday, 8 February, 2018

Like many people do, Kym found it difficult to juggle the dual responsibilities of caring for her beloved mother and going to work each day to earn a living. When she found Ailsa Craig Respite Cottage in Hamilton, run by NovaCare, Kym said that soon changed and she was able to confidently leave her mother in temporary care.  

"Mum loves spending time at the cottage," Kym said. "She enjoys the home-made meals and the social activities. The staff members are wonderful to mum and she often comes home with her nails freshly done. It’s a real joy for her. 

"For me, knowing mum is happy at the cottage means I can continue to work and enjoy our time together. The cottage and the support of NovaCare has been the difference between my beautiful mother being in an aged-care facility, or living at home with me."

Kym and her mother have used the cottage for several years. A renovation, funded by an $80,000, grant from the Foundation, now means it can increase its services to Hunter-based people like Kym’s mother.

The renovation has revitalised the cottage and increased its facilities from three to four bedrooms and from two to three bathrooms, growing its capacity by an additional 2,100 hours of overnight care. The work also included the construction of a men’s shed in the backyard, a barbecue, and the planting of a communal veggie patch and sensory garden. 

NovaCare CEO Joseph McCarthy said the respite centre was a vital service for the region.

"Respite care is so important, not just for the guests, but for caregivers," he said. "It provides caregivers an opportunity to rest and recharge while continuing to care for their loved ones.

"It was important to us that the result of this renovation was amazing, beautifully welcoming, as well as functional. We want guests to feel engaged when they come and spend time here and for caregivers to be worry-free while their loved ones are staying here.

"The support of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation towards this renovation has meant that we’ve been able to create a respite cottage that is contemporary with all the comforts of home. From a care perspective the cottage is practical with the safety of our guests being paramount in the design while remaining visually appealing for our guests."

Foundation Chair Phil Neat said some of the aims of the grants program were to address disadvantage, marginalisation, isolation and social wellbeing, and this renovation helped achieve those. 

"The Ailsa Craig Respite Cottage project is a stunning example of how our grants can make a significant difference to the lives of those in our community," he said. "The cottage is beautiful and it is clear that those who are coming here for respite are more than happy to be here. 

"It’s through grants such as this that we’re able to make a significant difference to the lives of people in our community."