Spectrum Social & Respite Services

Centre Based Respite
Spectrum’s Centre Based Respite program provides structured activities in a group setting to develop, maintain or support independent living and social interaction for frail people over 65 years of age. Respite is provided in Preston at our Clifton Respite Cottage and at a venue in Whittlesea to four Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities living in the northern metropolitan region of Melbourne. We have Italian, Polish, Macedonian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Punjabi groups. Transport to and from the venue can be provided if required. The groups meet on a weekly basis, providing a break for carers from their caring role by providing meaningful and enjoyable activities for the person being cared for.

Our centre based respite programs are targeted towards the primary carers of frail CALD older people aged 65 years and over, including those with dementia or exhibiting challenging behaviours. In particular, our services cater to carers who are experiencing difficulty in maintaining or securing employment because of a lack of suitable day respite care options for their family member. Program participants consider our centres to be a ‘home away from home’ with services including bi-lingual staff, culturally appropriate activities, transport to and from the client's home and home-style ethnic meals prepared on site. Care plans, assessments and reviews are also undertaken by trained bi-lingual staff.

Our centre based respite programs operate from two locations:

Clifton Respite Cottage
7 Clifton Gr, Preston VIC 3072
(03) 9480 2877

Spectrum Respite Centre Whittlesea
Plenty Valley Church
Unit 5, 9 Danaher Dr, South Morang VIC 3752
(03) 9480 2877

Visit our website by clicking on the button above to learn more about our respite programs.

Planned Activity Groups (PAGs)
Spectrum’s Planned Activity Groups (PAG) provide a welcoming environment that is focused on the needs and cultures of people from a number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. They offer activities aimed at enhancing the skills and social connections that older people need to continue living independently in the community, as well as provide respite and support for carers. The group activities aim to provide physical, intellectual, emotional and social stimulation. PAGs are ethno-specific, meaning each one is tailored to a particular community such as Italian, Polish, Macedonian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Punjabi Group members enjoy activities such as basic English classes, gentle exercise, topical information sessions relating to current affairs and culturally specific activities.

Clients undergo an assessment to determine their needs and eligibility for inclusion in a PAG which can be dependent on an assessment and suitability for PAG. A client may be assessed as eligible for PAG High which caters for frail older people who require assistance with mobility or for people with moderate dementia, or for PAG Core where most clients are physically independent and do not require dementia care or other types of specialist care in order to participate in activities.