Taking time away from home with our respite services

As soon as you enter Northcott’s Popondetta respite house, you get the sense that the staff have gone out of their way to make this a ‘home away from home’. From the relaxed outdoor space full of plants and flowers, to the customer photo collages that adorn the walls, there’s a welcoming feeling to one of Northcott’s newest respite services.

For people with disability, Short Stay offers the opportunity to take a temporary break from everyday life in an accessible and supportive environment.

28-year-old Nathan was one of the first to access Northcott’s newly re-opened Popondetta adult respite service in the Western Sydney suburb of Bidwill, and it seems he is embracing the experience, having visited twice since the service opened recently in July.

Nathan has been making the most of his time with Northcott staff supporting him to get involved in a range of fun and engaging activities in the local area – all that are tailored to the individual interests of each customer.

“In the last few weeks I have started a worm farm, been bowling, played aqua golf, did some cooking, and went fishing,” Nathan said.

“Fishing is my favourite activity because I find it so relaxing.”

Northcott staff also organised for Nathan to visit his friend Nicolas who has moved into a group home.

“The staff are absolutely terrific! They support me, they take me out places, and they keep me up and active,” Nathan said.

It’s clear from chatting to Nathan that he is keen to spend more time at Popondetta in the future, and is looking forward to engaging with more customers as the service grows.

“It would be great to meet some new people, I’d like to do some other stuff with people at respite,” he said.

“Everyone should come to Popondetta respite – it’s the best!”