Download the Parent Information Pack
Download the Carramar Resident Unit Handbook
Download the Medication and Private Health Letter to parents
Download the Intake Form
The Residential Family Care Unit is a tertiary level public hospital available for state wide referrals. It provides professional care and guidance on an inpatient basis for families with infants and young children under 4 years of age. Families are admitted Monday morning and discharged Friday afternoon. If you are having difficulty parenting your child/ren and are looking for additional help and advice you can call the Karitane Careline (1300 227464) or visit your G/P or Child and Family Health Nurse.
Referrals
Referrals to the Residential Family Care Unit need to be made by a health professional who has been supporting and providing intervention for the family such as your Child and Family Health Nurse, Family Care Centre or GP. Referring agents are now able to submit the Karitane Intake Form via fax to 02 9794 2323 or contacting the Intake Office 02 9794 2321 to make a telephone referral.
Once the referral is received the Intake Officer will contact the family to arrange a pre admission interview in order to discuss your admission and expectations of your stay. This enables us to work closely with you to achieve the goals you seek.
Dietary requirements and special needs may be discussed with the Intake Officer as required.
The service promotes a self care model which is flexible and responsive to the family’s individual needs. Both public and private admissions are accepted.
Whilst in the unit, parents have access to the following professionals:
- Child and Family Health Nurses
- Registered Nurses
- Enrolled Mothercraft and Parentcraft Nurses
- Lactation Consultants
- Paediatricians
- Social Workers and Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Playroom Coordinator
In keeping with Karitane’s holistic approach clients may benefit from services such as massage, groups, hairdressing, and relaxation therapy.
Emotional & Psychological Wellbeing
Parenting can be associated with a number of emotional and psychological difficulties within families. Throughout the organisation, assessment and counselling is available to clients to assist them with the adjustments to parenthood. This is provided by a multidisciplinary team including child and family health registered nurses, enrolled nurses with a parentcraft or mothercraft qualification, a playroom coordinator, a psychiatrist, psychologists and social workers.
How much will it cost me to stay at Karitane?
CHILD:
Your fees are covered by Medicare or Private Health insurance. For privately insured clients the account for your child’s hospital accommodation will be sent directly to your fund for payment. Karitane waives any excess you may have with your fund. Please note that your child MUST be added to your existing policy prior to admission.
MOTHER:
$42 per day which includes accommodation and meals ($168/week)
FATHER/PARTNER/SUPPORT PERSON:
$21 per night for accommodation plus $7 per meal. All fees are payable at time of admission at reception. Fees can be paid by EFPTOS/Cash/Cheque/Visa/MasterCard.
It is a requirement of Karitane that all children are seen by a Paediatrician on admission. The account for your child’s consultation with the Paediatric specialist will be given to you at the time of your appointment. (Privately insured clients will require a referral letter from your GP stating reason for admission). Any accounts for pathology tests your child may require will be sent directly to you after discharge.
If you live in one of these areas and are eligible for Medicare this service is free. The family care centres require a referral by a health professional.
Karitane also has a volunteer service to support families with children 0-3 years living in the Liverpool, Fairfield and Bankstown areas. The activities of the volunteer service including home visiting, supported playgroups and parenting groups are free for those family meeting the referral criteria.
The majority of Karitane funding is from NSW health, but Karitane also has funding from the Department of Community Services, corporate, support and donations.
TOP>
