Community
19 June, 2026
Emotions rise over respite closure
THE proposed July closure of a weekend respite facility in Warrnambool has been met with frustration, concern and disappointment by local families.
Warrnambool’s Robert Askew, who cares for his wife who suffers from dementia, said the facility (operated by Respect and referred to as “the homestead”) had been an invaluable support for them both.
“These monthly weekend breaks provide me with much-needed relief from the constant demands of caregiving, allowing me time to rest, recharge and attend to my own wellbeing,” the 85 year-old said.
“While we have services throughout the week to assist with everyday living, we have greatly relied on the availability of this weekend respite.”
Mr Askew urged the management of Respect to reconsider the proposed closure of weekend respite services at the Homestead and to explore options for continuing this service in another part of the complex.
“This devastating decision (to close the weekend service) will place additional strain on family carers who depend on these short breaks to maintain their own physical and mental health,” he said.
“Families are doing everything possible to keep our loved ones at home and out of full-time residential care for as long as possible.
“The removal of this service undermines that goal and risks jeopardising the sustainability of home-based care for families like mine.”
He believes decisions like this make the goal harder, not easier, and deserves urgent consideration and public attention.
Mr Askew’s daughter, Janine O’Keefe, lives interstate and believes that when this service closes, carers like her father won’t just lose support, they will lose the ability to keep caring “with consequences this community cannot afford to ignore.”
“The loss of this local service is likely to add to the stress and pressure experienced by both carers and those they support,” she said.
“For my parents, this could pose risks to their health and independence, and may ultimately lead to a greater burden on the health and aged care system as a whole.”
She said with this closure families would be faced with a significant reduction in accessibility to respite services.
“The only remaining weekend respite services are in Port Fairy or Timboon, both of which are a distance from Warrnambool. This increased distance effectively limits options for respite care, heightening the challenges that carers and their loved ones face on a daily basis.”
Ms O’Keefe added that any claims by Respect that the Warrnambool facility was under-utilised was questionable.
“I have handled all mum’s bookings at the Homestead and at times I had to book six months in advance because there simply wasn’t the availability,” she said.
“I’ve no doubt this is a very well utilised facility and one that is appreciated by so many.
“It’s a wonderful, familiar setting for users; mum has enjoyed her time there and dad can relax knowing she is happy and well looked after in a safe, lovely environment.”
Warrnambool’s Joan Carter (whose sister Mavis has also used the homestead for respite care for her husband) is another to express her disappointment and frustration over the planned closure, saying many families feel the rug has been pulled from under their feet.
“Having a local, weekend respite facility in Warrnambool is just so important for so many families,” Ms Carter said.
“We are doing our best to look after family members to keep them at home for as long as possible, but carers also need a little break sometimes.”
The 79 year-old cares for her husband (who suffers from dementia) in their family home but was hoping to book some respite in the near future.
Now that option has gone, and she feels bitterly disappointed.
“The homestead is such a lovely place and it’s just so disappointing to hear it will be closed for weekend respite care.
“I also know of a men’s group that meets there each Tuesday and Friday and for many men it is a very familiar place and they would feel comfortable staying there. And for carers, it gives them a much-needed break knowing their loved ones are safe, warm and well taken care of.
“I urge Respect to reconsider this proposed closure.”
In response to questions raised by the Weekly, Respect CEO and managing director Jason Binder issued the following statement on Wednesday:
Respect can confirm the weekend Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) respite service at the Homestead is winding up due to declining demand.
The change only relates to the weekend CHSP program which had capacity for five beds with only two of those in use.
Respite support will continue through our aged care home.
Staff have been offered alternative roles and clients are being supported to transition to options that suit their needs.
Respect remains committed to supporting older people in Warrnambool and is working directly with affected families to ensure continuity of care.
