It may come as a surprise to learn that two out of three people with dementia are living in our communities. Please read below about the profound impact your generosity has in helping to provide BlueCare’s transformative Dementia Care Services, which have become a lifeline for families of those living with dementia.
Dementia, the second leading cause of death in Australia and the primary cause among women, is a formidable adversary. The average diagnosis journey spans three long years, and as our population ages, the statistics grow even more staggering. One in twelve individuals aged 65 and over face dementia, a figure that skyrockets to an astonishing two in five among those over 90. This paints a stark reality: every few minutes in Australia a new case of dementia is diagnosed, emphasising the urgency of our mission.
A Holistic Approach: At the core of our approach stands the Dementia Care Consultant, an invaluable guide who provides information about dementia, listens to concerns and tailors personalised solutions. We understand that each person’s experience with dementia is unique, and we’re committed to keeping the client at the heart of everything we do.
A Specialised Workforce: Enter the Dementia Squad, a dedicated team of personal care workers, specially trained to provide dementia care. The rigorous training program accredited by TAFE Australia, covers four essential modules to develop the skill sets needed to provide dementia care. But we don’t stop there; our personal carers also receive training from Dementia Australia, thanks to the funding provided by your generous contributions.
Dementia Resource Library and Support Groups: With your support, we’ve established the Dementia Resource Library, a treasure trove of dementia friendly aids – including therapy dolls, memory games and so much more; empowering our personal care workers and clients to provide meaningful respite sessions that enhance quality of life. Our Carer Support Group has been running successfully for many years at the Coopers Plains Memory Support Centre; and we’ve initiated a Dementia Support Group in Kirra, a vital service for families and those living with dementia to come together, share experiences, and access education and support.
A Vision for the Future: In the future, we aspire to establish resource libraries in every area to support our staff in creating meaningful experiences for those living with dementia. These libraries will house singular items like weighted therapy dolls, which, once introduced, would stay with the person to provide lasting comfort. The replenishing of such items is a testament to our commitment to long term care.
Your contributions have not only driven change but also created a network of support, compassion, and expertise. Together, we’re fostering a future where dementia is met with understanding, care, and hope.
