Currently under construction, once built the respite house will accommodate children and adults for stays of two weeks to give their families a rest.
A team from disability service provider Scope will support the people using the house.
Scope chief executive Jennifer Fitzgerald said the six-bedroom house, which includes five bedrooms for guests and one for staff, would be like a guest house, with family or friends able to visit.
”Respite offers families the opportunity to rest or to do the day-to-day things they may find difficult to find time for while caring for their child or family member,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
”Having regular, planned breaks helps a family remain strong and able to continue caring for their loved ones.”
Gippsland Carers Association president Jean Tops said the house was “long overdue” and was glad to see construction begin after being on the cards for 18 months.
”There is one six-bed home for adults in Moe and it’s outrageous that the people of Traralgon or Morwell have to travel to Moe or Sale to access respite,” Ms Tops said.
”We would very much like to see another built in Traralgon. The population certainly demands it.”
Ms Tops urged neighbours to be accepting of the house and its residents.
”There are houses across Gippsland in Warragul, Moe and Sale.
They are simply homes away from homes for people with disabilities living with their families,” Ms Tops said.
”Ms Fitzgerald said Scope expected the building works to be completed by April and would take bookings from February.
Enquiries can be made to Scope on 5623 1033.
