Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre provides flexible short term respite on ad hoc basis and emergency respite for people with moderate to profound disabilities. Service also provides information and referral to other services especially those providing ongoing respite. Paid carers are not eligible for this assistance. For people with a disability who are eligible for aged care accommodation (ACAT assessment and currency of assessment form ACCR required) the Carer Respite Centre provides the Residential Respite Booking Service for Newcastle Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens Lower and Upper Hunter. As at June 1. 2003 the program has received funding to provide services to Carers of people with dementia, dementia with challenging behaviour, with terminal illness (support palliative care services) and frail older people over 65 years in their own homes. The Ageing Carers Packages are available to carers not receiving other services.