Participants love coming to stay with us at Alkira Respite. The Respite Services provide short-term accommodation to adults with intellectual disabilities at two different locations. The house in Mont Albert has a capacity of four people and the one in Forest Hill can accommodate two people. Both houses have a warm, friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

It’s a Monday afternoon and the house in Mont Albert (Perkins) is bursting with life. Everyone is arriving back from their daily activities, some on the Alkira bus and others walking. The weather is gorgeous, the mood is great and everyone is ready to make their lunch for the next day and cook a delicious fish stew for dinner. On the fridge there is a meal plan for the rest of the week, which the participants have decided on together. All the meals are healthy and the fridge has been filled with all the necessary ingredients.

Sarah (a guest at Perkins House) is eager to talk about what people do at the house. “We play games, watch movies, read books, prepare lunch and dinner and hang out with our friends.” She continues with a big smile “I have so much fun at Respite. I would love to move out of home one day and I learn so many independent living skills here”.

Sarah wants to become more independent so that she can move into Supported Accommodation one day. Alkira Respite is perfect for her as it provides an ideal environment for people to experience living away from home. “Sarah is very independent and she travels to the house on her own. She takes initiative and is currently helping us at the house as well. She has started to clean up the courtyard and is doing a fantastic job,” said Vera (House Coordinator).

One of the other guests, Clement, is busy preparing his lunch. He is making a healthy salad sandwich that he will bring with him to his activities the next day. Clement explains “Mum gets some time to herself and I get some time away from mum and dad.” He seems to enjoy his independence and shows off his skills in the kitchen.

Some guests are regulars while others only attend Respite a couple of times per year. However, everyone at the house agrees that they enjoy spending time at Respite and have fun cooking together and helping around the house.

The house is at full capacity. Isaak (guest) is in the living room reading a book and relaxing on the couch, while Debbie has just finished reading and is coming to join the group in the kitchen.

Debbie brightens up the room as soon as she enters. She is being cheeky and jokes around with Vera. They are both having a good laugh. “I come here once a month or if my mum is unwell. It’s nice to hangout with the others,” said Debbie. She continues “I also like all the Support Workers, including Vera.”

Alkira is proud to have a committed and experienced Respite Team that provides a quality, responsive, and flexible service to meet the needs of each person. We encourage, support and assist people with their normal routines, whilst maintaining and enhancing the skills and abilities already developed.

Anyone with an intellectual disability may be eligible to access the Respite Services at Alkira, which can be provided based on approved funding or on a fee-for-service basis.

On this particular day, the group of guests attending Respite have all planned their stay in advance. However, Respite is also offered to help families in crisis or emergency situations.