Aged care and retirement living provider Resthaven has launched a government-funded short-stay program to support older South Australians living with dementia to stay at home for as long as possible.
The program – Staying at Home in Regional South Australia – aims to provide education and support to carers whilst their loved one is cared for in the same location by experienced staff. It’s the latest iteration of the Staying at Home program, which was launched by Dementia Support Australia last July and expanded in February.
Each retreat will be up to three days and two nights away, with 24/7 staff support. It will involve four-to-six couples, with sessions, activities and meals tailored to meet the needs of participants, said Resthaven project officer and dementia education specialist Gillian Schulze.
“Our aim is to support people living with dementia to stay at home for as long as possible and for the carer to access respite services on a regular basis to support them in their caring role,” Ms Schulze told Community Care Review.
It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of people with dementia are living in the community with a family carer and carer stress has been identified as reducing quality of life for both people, she said.
Carers using the Resthaven’s program may be a spouse, partner, child or other significant friend or family member. It is available in the regional areas of the Limestone coast, Riverland, Murray Bridge, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu regions of South Australia, where there’s an identified need for this type of support, Ms Schulze said.
“We have strong networks in these areas with the diverse communities and our program responds to the need for a quality carer support and respite in regional areas tailored to the unique circumstances of each person’s diverse background, including those from Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander communities,” she told CCR.
All staff are skilled and experienced cottage respite workers led by Ms Schulze, a past dementia educator for Resthaven and art therapist with an associate degree in dementia care, and a diploma in leisure and health.
The first Resthaven Staying at Home in Regional South Australia program is planned for 28-30 August, and subsequent retreats for 17-19 October and 20-22 November.
“By introducing education, and a wide range of support mechanisms, including regular and planned use of respite, Resthaven hopes to address the barriers that carers may face, and improve their access to and experience of respite.”
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