Participants feel more confident, informed and connected after taking part in a new respite program, says Anglicare Southern Queensland of the 20 family members and carers of people with dementia who have taken part to date.
Anglicare SQ, which operates 15 respite centres across southern Queensland, launched the Carer Group Peer Support and Respite Program last September after receiving funding from a government initiative to improve respite care for people with dementia and their carers.
The program offers a six-weekly series of expert-led sessions that cover topics such as:
- introduction to dementia
- emotional wellbeing for carers
- navigating the system
- supporting your loved one
- physical wellbeing for carers
- respite planning
Anglicare SQ group manager for aged & community services Sue Montgomery said the program was designed to empower carers and provide them with the knowledge and support needed to care for themselves while also caring for a loved one with dementia.
“We’ve seen firsthand how this program is helping carers feel more confident, informed and connected,” she said.
“The feedback from our participants has been incredibly heartening. It’s not just about learning how to care for someone living with dementia, it’s about carers learning to care for themselves too.
“Our participants have shared how valuable the connections they’ve made through the program are, and how the program has helped them feel more satisfied in their personal relationships and life achievements.
Anglicare SQ was one of nine organisations to share in $8 million funding last August under the third round of the Department of Health & Aged Care’s Improving respite care for people with dementia and their carers.
The other recipients were BaptistCare NSW & ACT, Brightwater Care Group, Southern Cross Care WA, CatholicCare Central Queensland, the Roman Catholic Trust for the Diocese of Cairns and Carers NT Limited.
The grant program was established following the royal commission and has allocated a total of $60 million to dementia respite care so far.
Ms Montgomery said Anglicare SQ was proud to be part of a broader movement that’s improving access to dementia-specific respite services for families across southeast Queensland.
“By providing education and support, we’re helping carers to not only navigate the challenges of dementia care but also to find balance and fulfillment in their own lives.”
Comment on the story below. Follow Community Care Review on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter.
