What is Cheltenham Place?
Cheltenham Place provides short term residential care for HIV positive people. It also provides short term respite care for carers of HIV positive people. People typically stay 1 or 2 weeks, sometimes longer. The service is designed to assist and benefit HIV positive clients and their carers. Client goals are set for each admission.

The service operates from a large house in a quiet neighbourhood close to the Adelaide CBD. Supportive staff are at Cheltenham Place 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. There are no fees. Some clients make a voluntary contribution towards the costs of their stay. Meals are provided.

The Royal District Nursing Service provides nursing services to Cheltenham Place.
Some people come to Cheltenham Place when they are discharged from hospital as a step between hospital and home. Others come to Cheltenham Place from home. People from regional South Australia can stay at Cheltenham Place when they visit Adelaide for HIV-related appointments. Cheltenham Place provides respite services to people living with HIV/AIDS regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race or spirituality. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive and therapeutic respite care environment.

What services are available at Cheltenham Place?
- The core service available is respite in a safe, secure, supportive and comfortable environment
- Residential care staff support clients
- The RDNS provide a nursing service at Cheltenham Place
- Clients can be referred to health and community services from Cheltenham Place
- Health promotion and safe sex information are available at the facility. Information on HIV/AIDS is available

Who can stay at Cheltenham Place?

Cheltenham Place HIV Respite Care facility is available to:
HIV positive people (17 years and over) carers of HIV positive people, a carer can stay at Cheltenham Place with or without the person for whom he or she cares.

People are admitted to the respite care service because they have health, social or home needs that can be improved by staying at Cheltenham Place.

The facility, its staff and the RDNS nursing service have certain capacities. We can provide respite care for most HIV positive people and their carers. There are however, some limits. For example clients need to be reasonably independent in their mobility. If people have marked or acute medical or mental health conditions, it may not be practical or safe for them to stay at Cheltenham Place. Cheltenham Place does not provide long term accommodation and we do not admit people who don’t have a viable accommodation option for their discharge. The service is not available to children (0–16 years). Cheltenham Place cannot be used as a refuge from domestic violence situations. We cannot admit people who want to be at CP in order to avoid authorities such as police.

House Rules
It is very important that Cheltenham Place is a safe and secure environment for clients, staff, visitors and neighbours. There are therefore various “House Rules” that apply to all clients. These are explained to clients on admission and clients agree to follow the rules. The rules cover areas such as:

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in the house. The rule is strict. If a client breaches the rule, he or she might be required to leave.

Behaviour
Clients at Cheltenham Place need to behave appropriately. This area relates to behaviours that negatively impinge on staff, clients or neighbours.

Hygiene
Clients need to maintain appropriate levels of personal hygiene.

Drugs and Alcohol
Clients whose behaviour is affected by drugs or alcohol may be required to leave Cheltenham Place. Alcohol and illicit drugs are not permitted at Cheltenham Place.

 

How do I organise a stay at Cheltenham Place?

Who can refer?
- HIV positive people can self-refer
- Carers, family and friends of HIV positive people can refer
- Workers can refer clients to the service. Referrals are commonly received from hospitals and community service workers.

How are referrals made?
Referral of potential clients who may need nursing input at CP. Referrals should be directed to the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) – phone 1300 364 264 – Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. Ask for an HIV Clinical Nurse. The RDNS nurse will take details, discuss the referral and organise an admission assessment.

Referral of potential clients who are not likely to need nursing input. These are clients who need respite from social or home situations that may impinge on their health and well-being. It also applies to HIV positive people who are visiting Adelaide from regional areas for HIV-related appointments. Referrals should be directed to the Manager- HIV Services – Ph (08) 8210 8200 – Monday to Friday, business hours. The Manager will take details, discuss the referral and organise an admission assessment.

Referral Information and questions. The central point for referral information is to phone Cheltenham Place – (08) 8272 8799 – office hours. The CP Residential Care Staff can explain referral processes and criteria.

Referral pathways in brief:
For people needing nursing input – Ph 1300 364 264 – ask for the RDNS HIV clinical nurse
For people with social or home issues – Ph (08) 8210 8200 – ask for the HIV Services Manager
For people from regional areas - Ph (08) 8210 8200 – ask for the HIV Services Manager
Referral information – Phone (08) 8272 8799

What is the admission process?
After referral, an admission assessment will be made. Admission assessments are made to determine each client’s needs, goals for admission and predicted length of stay. Goals are set for each admission. The assessment is also used to determine suitability for admission – see Eligibility Criteria above.

How does discharge take place?
Discharge is usually on the date determined at admission.
Clients are asked to complete a feedback assessment. The feedback helps staff determine how effective the service has been in achieving the admission goals for each client.

Management and Funding
Cheltenham Place is managed by Centacare Catholic Family Services. Centacare works in close collaboration with the Royal District Nursing Service. The SA HIV Respite Care Service (Cheltenham place) is funded by the South Australian Government through Health SA.

Comments, Feedback and Complaints about Cheltenham Place

The Manager
HIV Services
Centacare Catholic Family Services
Ph 08 8210 8200

Please phone Cheltenham Place (08 8272 8799) for further information.

Download:  Cheltenham Place brochure