Community
26 June, 2026
Frustration mounts over respite closure
THIS weekend marks the end of weekend respite care at the ‘Homestead’ in Warrnambool, bringing a wave of disappointment, frustration and sadness to many local families.
The Homestead, which is operated by Respect Home Care (which also operates Lyndoch Living on Hopkins Road) will host its last weekend respite care clients this weekend, bringing to an end a highly valued service according to many families across the district who are left wandering, what now?
A story in last Friday’s Warrnambool Weekly highlighted the plight of 85 year-old local carer Robert Askew who cares for his wife who suffers from dementia.
Mr Askew said he relied on the Homestead for monthly, weekend breaks. It was a time for him to recharge his batteries, a time to rest and to attend to his own wellbeing.
He urged the management of Respect to reconsider its decision to close the service and explore other options.
In response, Respect confirmed the service was “winding up due to declining demand” and that the program “had capacity for five beds, with only two of those in use.”
Since last week’s story, the Weekly has received several calls and messages from those who have utilised the service in the past (and others who were planning to in the near future) expressing their disappointment.
One such woman was Pam (surname withheld to ensure the privacy of her elderly relatively who was a former client) who also disputed Respect’s claims of under-utilisation.
“To the best of my knowledge, the Homestead was in quite high demand,” she said.
“They say the program had capacity for five beds, but it’s more like four as one is a double. And to claim only two of those were in use is rubbish; I know just this weekend gone there was two men and two women there.
“I know of quite a few people who had to book well in advance as the beds were all booked out.
“This is such a valued facility; my partner always enjoyed his weekends there and like so many other carers, it gave me the opportunity for some self-care, to take time out and to recharge my batteries.
“The staff there are absolutely wonderful, they’re so caring and attentive and I’m sure they too are disheartened and disappointed by this because no doubt they’ve developed a relationship with their clients and a close bond with many.”
While the day stay programs will continue throughout the week, Pam is left wondering if these too will now be in jeopardy.
“I’ve heard several of the lifestyle activities were cut or reduced at ‘Lyndoch’ over the past 12 months, now weekend respite is going, what’s next?”
Pam said despite the Homestead being an old building, it was still clean, safe and comfortable with a “lovely sunroom and a place to look out over the river.”
“If the place was run down and in desperate need of repairs and funds weren’t available I could see a reason behind this decision; but it’s not and it’s being well utilised so I’m baffled as to how this decision (to end weekend respite) came about.
“Being told we have other options at Port Fairy and Timboon is just not good enough. The Homestead is home away from home for many people and now that’s being taken away from them.”
Janine O’Keefe told the Weekly she had contacted local MPs Roma Britnell and Dan Tehan raising her concerns about the welfare of carers.
“The current lack of local weekend respite for full-time carers is a critical and unacceptable situation,” Ms O’Keefe said.
Another Warrnambool resident, Joy, asked “where is the Respect in this decision?”
“Homestead by name and home by nature,” she said.
“This is a quality, supportive and safe environment that has provided respite for our community members and a much-needed break for their carers.”
The Timboon and District Healthcare Service, which was suggested to families by Respect as another option for weekend respite said it was aware of Respect’s decision to cease weekend respite services at Homestead.
The health service issued the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:
We understand that some families have been directed to contact us to explore available respite option and welcome inquiries from individuals and families seeking respite care and encourage them to contact our team directly to discuss their circumstances and current availability.
Timboon and District Healthcare Services (TDHS) offers residential respite care for periods of up to two weeks which can include weekend respite stays, overnight stays, or longer planned respite arrangements depending on individual needs and bed availability at the time.
As a multipurpose service, we have flexibility in how we utilise our residential care beds, balancing the needs of acute care patients and respite clients.
This model allows us to respond to changing community needs while maintaining a high standard of clinical care, supported by our experienced nursing team.
Availability for respite care varies throughout the year, and while we do not maintain a permanent waiting list, enquiries are assessed individually based on current bed capacity and client requirements.
