In August 2007 Circular Head's first Disability Respite Centre opened. Located in Smithton, the Centre provides short-term respite accommodation for persons with a disability and/or their carers.
Accommodation is available for up to six persons per night, and the Centre may on occasions be shared by different families or individuals. Accommodation costs are dependent on the needs of the person, ranging from less than the cost of a motel bed for someone totally independent up to the total cost of nursing staff where the person has high-care needs.
The Centre does not have on-site staff, so persons with a disability need to arrange to bring their own carer. On request, a carer can be appointed.
While the Centre was built primarily for the needs of Circular Head residents, if rooms are available, persons living elsewhere may be able to utilise the Centre.
The Tasmanian Community Fund provided $291,000 to construct the Centre, with considerable in-kind support obtained from Circular Head Rural Health Services, which manages the facility. Circular Head Council donated the land on which the Centre was built.
For further information please contact Rural Health Tasmania on (03) 6452 1266.