A new overnight respite cottage in Goulburn, will be a home-away-from-home available for eligible older people who are frail or living with dementia.

Operated by innovative health and aged care provider HammondCare, Candlebark Cottage is the first of its kind in the region and will offer comfortable accommodation for eligible people aged 65 years and over, so that their carers can take time out to recharge.

HammondCare At Home General Manager Bay Warburton said carers can take a break at the cottage secure in the knowledge their loved one will receive specialised care.

“HammondCare is delighted to bring to Goulburn its unique relationship-based model of care, developed over a 90-year period, that seeks to understand the needs of every individual and ensure they are met,” he said.

“We know that no two people are the same and their care needs are different.”

Mr Warburton will open the cottage today together with Goulburn-Mulwaree Mayor Peter Walker.

Mr Walker said the new respite service would be a help for many older people in the region.

“Providing care for someone is such a valuable role but sometimes the carer needs some time for themselves to help them keep going – a service like this helps,” Mr Walker said.

“I know that there are many people in the Goulburn-Mulwaree Council area that will be eagerly looking forward to making use of such a wonderful service.”

Candlebark Cottage, named after the commonly-found Eucalyptus tree in the region, is a modern, single-level home with four private bedrooms, expansive living spaces and outdoor areas.

Respite care is available at the cottage for periods of up to 10 consecutive nights for older people eligible under existing Government-subsidised home care or who can be self-funded.

Located in quiet Quiberon Way, Goulburn, the cottage offers a warm atmosphere specially designed to be comfortable for older people. A maximum of four guests will stay with two staff in the cottage at all times. As part of the stay, guests enjoy nutritious, home-style meals prepared fresh daily.

Eligible guests can come from as far afield as Young, the Southern Tablelands, Cooma and the Snowy Mountains and the South Coast including Bateman’s Bay, Bega and Eden.

Goulburn resident John Hilldrup, 87, who lost the use of his right leg following a stroke two years ago, became one of the first guests to stay at Candlebark Cottage earlier this week.

His wife Shirley Hilldrup, 80, also his carer, said the overnight respite cottage model was attractive to them as soon as they saw it.

“Everything is modern and new. I did not want to put John anywhere that felt like a hospital,” she said.

“The moment we saw the brochure we liked what we saw. The most guests that will stay is four at a time.”

Shirley used the time John stayed at the cottage to catch up on many things that she wanted to do including shopping at Campbelltown.

HammondCare Respite Cottages Manager Evelyn O’Leary said Candlebark Cottage would offer more of a home-like stay than traditional aged care accommodation.

She said staff at the cottage can assist with information about eligibility and booking through My Aged Care.