“The Dementia Squad is so much more than a service. It’s a lifeline, enabling families to keep their loved ones at home while receiving the compassionate, person-centered support they deserve”
Just imagine... Your beloved parent or grandparent, the person who has been your rock and biggest supporter, gradually slips away.
The warmth in their eyes fades, replaced by confusion and fear. Simple tasks like bathing or taking medication become battlegrounds.
You find yourself traversing uncharted territory, grappling with responsive behaviours like aggression or wandering that put your loved one at risk.
This is the harsh reality faced by countless Australian families navigating the cruel path of dementia. The statistics are staggering - one in twelve people over 65 are living with this devastating condition.
For those over 90, it’s a startling two in five. And the toll continues to mount, with a new dementia diagnosis happening every few minutes across our nation.
But amidst this landscape of heartbreak, a beacon of hope shines through at BlueCare.
Our Dementia Squad, a dedicated team of specialised team members, is providing a lifeline to families facing this unrelenting challenge.
At the helm is Julie Smallhorn, our passionate Care Manager driven by an unwavering commitment to dementia care.
“The Dementia Squad is so much more than a service. It’s a lifeline, enabling families to keep their loved ones at home while receiving the compassionate, person-centered support they deserve,” Julie shares.
Receiving care at home for individuals with dementia allows them to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain routines and independence, and receive personalised care from familiar caregivers, which can provide comfort, reduce confusion and anxiety, and enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
Through comprehensive training encompassing Dementia Australia workshops and nationally accredited courses, our Personal Care Workers possess a level of expertise that sets them apart.
But it’s their hearts that truly make the difference. Imagine having a trusted companion by your side, someone who understands the intricacies of dementia and can anticipate your loved one’s needs before they escalate.
Our Care Workers are that ray of hope, de-escalating challenging situations with patience, empathy and skill.
The impact has been transformative. Responsive behaviours that once seemed insurmountable – refusals of hygiene, medication, and meals; verbal and physical outbursts; disorientation leading to dangerous wandering – are being addressed with care and dignity.
But the approach extends far beyond the physical aspects of care, providing emotional lifelines for families, offering counselling, guidance, and support as they navigate the agonising grief and role reversal that comes with this cruel condition.
Just imagine the relief of having a team of experts by your side, champions who deeply understand the complexities of dementia and are committed to empowering you and your loved one every step of the way.
As the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise, support from donors has been instrumental in making this lifeline a reality for BlueCare families.
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you for bringing hope, dignity and compassion to those facing this unrelenting journey.
