Respite Now

17/10/2025

💚 Everyone deserves care that feels personal.
With Respite Now, you get a team that truly listens and cares — making life easier for you and your loved ones. 🌿

📞 1300 791 562
🌐 respitenow.com.au

16/10/2025

💙 Caring for your loved ones shouldn’t be stressful — that’s where we step in.

At Respite Now, we provide personalised, compassionate in-home support for individuals and families who need a helping hand.

📞 Call 1300 791 562
🌐 respitenow.com.au

16/10/2025

Inclusive Transport Innovation

A new QUT study led by Professor Alexander Paz has revealed what people with disabilities want most in autonomous vehicles (AVs) — and it’s all about accessibility, comfort, and safety.

🔹 Key findings:
• Preference for medium-sized AVs with side entry for easy boarding
• Need for spacious interiors, non-retractable wheelchair restraints, and multi-sensory communication systems
• Importance of privacy, safety, and user-friendly design

Researchers say these features could revolutionize mobility for people with disabilities, improving access to work, healthcare, and social life — but only if universal design principles guide development from the start.

This study, supported by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, highlights the next step toward inclusive, accessible transport for everyone. 🌏♿



Resource: https://disabilityupdate.net/study-identifies-autonomous-transport-design-priorities-for-people-with-disabilities/

14/10/2025

We’re excited to share the very first edition of our quarterly community newsletter, The RITCHLY Connection. It’s designed to bring the Respite Now community closer together and celebrate the people who make it special: our clients, our staff and the many others who support them and their families.

Read more 👇👇👇
https://mailchi.mp/respitenow.com.au/the-ritchly-connection-respite-nows-quarterly-newsletter

06/10/2025

At Respite Now, we believe that strength isn’t just about pushing through — it’s also about knowing when to pause. 🌿
A thought for today: You don’t have to be strong all the time. Rest is also a form of strength. 💛

Take this as your reminder to slow down, breathe, and give yourself the care you deserve. Your well-being matters, always. 🌻

01/10/2025

🌿💙 Mental Health Month Begins! 💫🌱

October marks the start of Mental Health Month and we’re focusing on how the right NDIS supports can make a positive difference in everyday wellbeing. 🌞✨

For many of our clients, supports like connecting with a support worker, attending therapy, or building daily routines or joining in on community excursions aren’t just services — they’re steps toward confidence, connection and better mental health. 💚

Seeing the growth, resilience, and joy in our clients is what makes each day meaningful. 🌟 Together, we create safe spaces where people feel supported, valued and ready to take on more of life’s challenges.

👉 Don’t just get through the day — let us help you thrive with the right supports. Join Respite Now and discover how your NDIS plan can be turned into meaningful, uplifting experiences.

👉 For more on Mental Health Month, visit https://www.mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/get-involved/2025-world-mental-health-day/

25/09/2025

🌿🦘 Healesville Sanctuary Adventure! 🦜🌳

Clients and staff had a wonderful day at Healesville Sanctuary last Thursday - enjoying fresh air, native wildlife and plenty of laughter along the way. 💚✨

Providing support is what Respite Now does, but seeing the joy and sense of togetherness turns our days into amazing experiences, building memories and sharing connection. 🌞🐨

With the improved weather, getting outdoors really creates good vibes and memorable experiences. 💫

🌟 Don’t just watch from the sidelines — come along on our next outdoor activity! There’s always a place for you at Respite Now.

👉 Join us and be part of the fun, connection and adventure! Get in touch and let us know how your community access can be tuned into wonderful, shared experiences. Get out and see our great city and meet others. This is where friendships can start.

Whilst many people complain about our government, the NDIS, reduced funding etc. we see on a daily basis how the NDIS’ support is helping people living with a disability to participate in their community, engage with others and experience all that Melbourne has to offer.

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Thanks to our clients who took a risk and came out the other end smiling and to the Respite Now staff who ensured the journey was a happy one and that each client went home wanting more. A great result team. Special thanks to the photographers: Deanna, Claire, Eva S

19/09/2025

National Stroke Week

This week, we stand with stroke survivors and their families, raising awareness of recovery and support. At Respite Now, we’re proud to play a role in helping survivors live more independently and confidently. 🌿
✨ How Respite Now support stroke survivors:
🏠 Personalised care that gives families peace of mind.
💪 Assistance with daily activities to regain independence.
💬 Social and emotional support to build confidence and connection.
🚗 Community access so survivors can stay engaged and active.
Every stroke journey is unique — and with the right care and encouragement, survivors can continue to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. 💙
Together, let’s shine a light on the importance of support and recovery during National Stroke Week 2025.


🟣 Source:
Stroke Foundation Australia – National Stroke Week
👉 https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/national-stroke-week

Stroke Foundation – Support Services
👉 https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/for-survivors-and-carers/other-support-services
National Stroke Foundation (Helpline)

☎️ 1800 787 653 / https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/life-after-stroke/help-after-stroke

17/09/2025

🎶🎨 Duckett Review Confirms Art & Music Therapy to Continue Under NDIS

Good news for NDIS participants! The Duckett Review has confirmed that art and music therapies will continue to be funded where there is evidence of positive outcomes.

✨ Key Updates:

✔ Therapies must be delivered by qualified, registered therapists.
✔ A new national price limit of $156.16/hr (effective 24 November 2025) — aligned with counselling rates.
✔ Clearer distinction between therapeutic supports and non-therapeutic activities (like lessons or classes).
✔ Funding may cover supports that enable participation, but not the cost of the activity itself.
✔ The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee will review therapy evidence for different groups from 2025–26.

💬 Dr Stephen Duckett noted:
“Art and music therapies can be effective, even life-changing, for some people with disability.”

This update ensures access to qualified, evidence-based therapy while keeping pricing fair and sustainable.

👉 Read the full update: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10894-duckett-review-confirms-art-and-music-therapy-continue?

12/09/2025

Small increases are helpful but I don't think these amounts are going to make a huge difference to those on pensions and their carers.

The payment rates for Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Disability Support Pension are increasing from 20 September 2025.

18/08/2025

AN SMS OF APPRECIATION FROM ONE OF OUR STAFF BINGED ON OUR DIRECTORS PHONE LAST WEEK

On Tuesday morning, Greg (Respite Now Director) received the attached poem in a heartfelt SMS from our staff member Kelly, who has been with us for over six years as a valued disability support worker supporting clients in Melbourne's Eastern suburbs.

Kelly is a fun-loving and creative team member who enjoys horse riding, motorbikes, and motorsport. During a review meeting with our NDIS auditors, Greg proudly read the poem aloud — and it absolutely knocked the auditors off their seats!

Thank you, Kelly, for bringing your creativity, joy, and dedication to our team.

17/07/2025

Rev It Up at Sandown Motor Raceway with Respite Now! 🏁

Experience the thrill of motor racing like never before—walk through the pits, talk to the drivers and their mechanics without the crowds!

📅 Date: Friday 25th July, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM (TBC)
🚗 Transport: Support worker transport provided (wheelchair transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
📍 Location: Sandown Racing Circuit
🍔 Food & Drink: Bring your lunch, snacks, and water bottle

Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gt-festival-sandown-shannons-speedseries-tickets-1235961266419

Interested?
📧 Email Jane at jane@respiteNow.com.au
📞 Call 1300 791 562 to register or learn more!