Access Arts Inc® - The Key to Success in the Arts

Although the role of a carer can be a rewarding and stimulating experience, Access Arts recognises that older carers have been caring for their loved one for a long time without dedicated time to themselves. The opportunity to have time out to put their feet up or participate in a creative activity can help carers care better, and last the distance.

What is Respite?

'Respite is a type of carer support that provides alternative care for the person being care for. This can be short term, emergency or on a more planned basis. Respite can be arranged so the person being cared for has a care worker provide support in their home or in the community. It may be a situation where the person being cared for attends an activity or facility where they have their needs met for a day or longer, including overnight.'(Source: Carer Support and Respite Centre Inc 2007).

Occasionally you and those closest to you may need “time out” to recharge the batteries.

Access Arts’ Creative Respite Options program, with funding support from Life Without Barriers, provides senior parent carers with respite and their child the opportunity to participate in meaningful creative activities.

Creative Respite aims to be as flexible and supportive of your activity choices as possible. Some activities ideas include:

• Arts lessons- painting, drawing, pottery (you name it, we’ll try and organise it!)

• Outings with a support worker to local arts and cultural events, exhibitions and festivals

• Attendance at Access Arts’ wide range of workshops

• Attendance at your local art or craft group

• In-home art lessons

• Experiencing live art performances.

The possibilities are endless!

In order to be eligible carers must be over 65 years old (those with an Indigenous background, 50 years and over), and supporting their child with a disability. Families must also live in the Greater Brisbane Region.

If you would like to participate please call Sally at Access Arts on (07) 3844 5897 or email sally@accessarts.org.au to find out more and arrange a time for a consultation.

For more information and feedback from some of our Creative Respite Options families you can download a 2009 information flyer in Word format here.