Community
8 July, 2026
Carers look to Timboon for respite
THE recent closure of a weekend respite care facility in Warrnambool may see an increase in demand on the Timboon Healthcare Service.
Last month’s closure of the ‘Homestead’ in Warrnambool sent a wave of concern, disappointment and frustration among many users of the Respect Home Care-ran facility.
Carers who had relied on the Homestead for weekend respite care for their loved ones were left searching for other options.
While the majority of those affected were based in Warrnambool, they were told their closest options were either in Timboon or Port Fairy.
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 late last month:
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The closure of the Homestead brought to an end a highly valued service according to many families, including 85 year-old 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.
However, 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.”
Users of the facility have disputed Respect’s claims, saying there had often been times when demand exceeded availability.
“While it is great that Timboon has a wonderful facility that can accommodate weekend respite, it’s certainly a distance to travel for some people,” Mr Askew said.
Janine O’Keefe, whose mother was a regular user of the Homestead, said she had contacted local MPs Dan Tehan and Roma Britnell 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.