A resort in Sydney is offering accommodation grants for people living with a catastrophic spinal injury the experience of special respite care.  Sargood on Collaroy located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is said to be the only one of its kind in the world.

The Sargood Foundation’s vision is that all people affected by spinal cord injury are provided with every opportunity to live life to the fullest, regardless of their age, Sargood executive director, Susan Johnson said.

“A visit to Sargood on Collaroy is much more than respite, it is life transforming and works to create new futures and opportunities for those living with the trauma of their injury, as well as their families,” she said. “Our guests can enjoy the company of others with similar lived experience, as well as having access to a team of nurses and support workers, occupational therapists and recreation specialists and the chance to participate in a range of activities.”

The Foundation recently stepped in to help a man who had a catastrophic spinal injury but was unable to access insurance cover on the NDIS due to his age.

The Sargood Foundation will consider providing an accommodation grant to support a stay at Sargood on Collaroy for a person living with spinal cord injury who:

• Is aged over 65 and not covered by the NDIS, or by state-based insurance

• Has sustained a recent spinal cord injury and waiting for the allocation of NDIS or insurance funding

• Has a NDIS plan insufficient to cover a stay at Sargood on Collaroy.

Consideration will also be given on a case-by-case basis to fund an additional interconnecting room to accommodate family members or carers, for guests who are not covered by the NDIS, Johnson said.

The grants are available only to residents of Australia and preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate financial hardship. Individuals will be limited to one stay in a three-year period to allow available funds to be shared equitably among all eligible guests.

Applications can be made via the booking form on website. For guidelines and information on how to apply visit: www.sargoodoncollaroy.com or www.sargoodfoundation.org.au