Aged care allied health provider Encara has launched a new in-home three-month dementia rehabilitation program that aims to empower participants and their loved ones.
The program – which targets people aged 65 who are living with dementia in the communities of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Casey south of Melbourne – is fully funded by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network.
It combines therapeutic interventions, education and personalised care to integrate allied health with holistic modalities including art therapy and music therapy.
Encara general manager Melanie Kerslake said the program offered improved access to allied health-led rehabilitation activities to support independence and wellbeing.
“The dementia rehabilitation program runs over 12 weeks and offers personalised care, evidence-based interventions, and a collaborative approach led by a team of allied health professionals,” Ms Kerslake said. “The program aims to empower individuals with reablement and engagement activities whilst supporting their families and care partners with education about living with dementia.”
Over 20 people at Encara have been involved in the program’s creation and delivery. It comes in response to the increasing prevalence of dementia and the impact it can have on the health and quality of life of people with the condition and their family and friends.
The program – which is now open for referrals – also includes:
- home visits by occupational therapists to assess and support daily living activities
- podiatry assessment and ongoing therapy for comfortable footwear and overall foot care
- physiotherapy to improve balance, strength, and mobility
- access to services like dietetics and speech therapy
- ongoing care plans after program ends.
Ms Kerslake said dementia rehabilitation helped people maximise their independence, relationships, and quality of life. It involves assisting them to develop alternate strategies and supporting care partners. “It gives people opportunities to retain or regain skills and activities they may have lost or be at risk of losing.”
Main image: supplied by Encara
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