Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels of stress.
Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dementia-taking-care-of-carers Summary:
If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
Symptoms of caregiver stress
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to cornonavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the carers line on 132 717.
Find out all the info here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19/if-you-already-get-payment-from-us-coronavirus-covid-19/carers-coronavirus-covid-19
06 April 2020
Accessing the right dementia support
Last Updated at September 28th 2021
Finding the best support for dementia can be vital after a recent diagnosis and ensures you are well set up to receive the quality care you need and deserve.
There are a lot of different supports available for people with dementia to assist them in their day to day life. [Source: Shutterstock] Looking for support groups, dementia support services or Government help that can improve your daily living is important to navigate the next steps in your dementia journey. Dementia research and support is growing every year with the Federal Government throwing more assistance to the cause through funding and research initiatives. Whether it’s dementia for an individual over the age of 65 or younger onset dementia, there are support networks in place for the different stages of dementia, including their carers and loved ones.
Over the age of 65 Your local doctor or family general practitioner can be a good supplier of information for dementia support. Talking to your doctor will help establish the next phase after the diagnosis as well as what support options there are to consider.
There are also multiple resources available online and through dementia organisations that can provide access to information you may need to deal with your dementia. The biggest peak body organisation in the nation, Dementia Australia, has an abundance of information to access on their website. They provide different forms of support, whether that is in information, online forums or support groups.
Dementia Australia also facilitates the National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500. There is a lot of information available for dementia and the support you may need.
Additionally, Dementia Australia has counselling, programs, and dementia advisory services to help you through a new diagnosis. The Dementia Pathway Tool was a project created by regional Victorian health institutes and national universities to create an easy to navigate information platform about dementia.
This site provides access to information about dementia, in all its stages, including booklets and tips for handling dementia. Additionally, information is laid out on the website in a step by step dementia process, so you can understand what you might need to look at next in your dementia journey.
Dementia Support Australia (DSA), led by HammondCare, provides access to a huge library of dementia related resources and is at the forefront of delivering important dementia services across Australia. DSA offers free 24/7 services and advice through its support line, 1800 699 799, and, on behalf of the Government, delivers support services to people with more challenging or severe behaviours due to their dementia.
The organisation also has a resource library for people with dementia and their carers to learn more about dementia.
HammondCare also founded the HammondCare Dementia Centre to be a provider of research and expert help to the aged care sector and those living with dementia.
The aim of the Centre is to assist people with dementia to continue living as independently as possible through dementia friendly design and items, and assist aged care services to deliver dementia friendly care and support. The Centre also has the latest in clinical trials, if you want to participate in dementia research, and a knowledge hub that can direct you to helpful books and information about dementia.
Leading the world in dementia research is the University of Tasmania's Wicking Dementia Centre, which provides world class dementia training to people in aged care and the general public while also supporting those who live with dementia. There are free online courses available for people with dementia, their carers and their family to assist them in understanding dementia.
A campaign from Caring for Cognitive Impairment created an online resource library for people with dementia, their carers, families, and experts in aged care and health to provide the best practice dementia support possible. Consumers are also able to share their personal experience dealing with health and aged care environments as a person with dementia or a family member helping a person with dementia.
Some local Councils in Australia provide dementia support services for those in their community who live with dementia.
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Dementia support pilot launched
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/new-dementia-support-pilot-launched
Published date: 2 September 2020
A new dementia carer support pilot has been launched. My Dementia Companion is an online tool that guides family, friends and carers through one of life's most challenging and confusing journeys.
My Dementia Companion offers personalised and practical support for a person’s dementia journey. It is easy to use and accessible at any time online. The program supports people to:
My Dementia Companion is one of four winning technology ideas from Dementia Australia’s Decoding Dementia 2019 Innovation Program.
Initially, this pilot will run for six weeks. For more information, or for families wishing to take part in the pilot, visit the My Dementia Companion website.
Last updated date: 2 September 2020
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Be a healthy caregiver - Interventions to Support Carers of People with Dementia
This review was released on 18 October 2018 and considers what works to support carers of older people with dementia to prevent or delay entry into residential aged care. Download the review: Interventions to Support Carers of People with Dementia (PDF - 1059 Kb)
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways to be a healthy caregiver.
As a carer it is important to look after yourself. If you’re not well it is difficult for you to look after someone else. This guide has information about the meaning of wellness and many handy strategies to help you improve your wellness and increase your resilience.
Tips to add "that Extra" for your loved one:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/family-caregiving.htm
Respite Care - Category: Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Health
and: Degenerative Disorders
There are a number of programs which support and assist carers. There are services for carers of people with a mental illness, for carers of people with a disability, for carers of people with a terminal illness and for carers of older people and those with dementia.
Planned respite gives carers a break and provides them with opportunities to pursue other activities and interests. Respite care can be provided in an emergency - for example, if the carer will be away unexpectedly. It can also be planned at regular intervals, provided in the home, and even give a carer a longer break.
Health direct topics:
Tips for those Carers who are looking after a loved one with Dementia.
Do look also at http://www.dementiaresearch.org.au/images/2077_DCRC_respite_guide_6web.pdf
The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) may be right for you if you are the primary carer of a person with dementia who cannot properly look after themself without your help.
- - - - - - - - - - - - --
Living with Memory Loss
Living with Memory Loss courses are run throughout the year and dates can be tailored to suit the needs of participants. Phone 1800 100 500
The Living with Memory Loss program is designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who want to share their experiences or feelings with others in the same situation. Participants are able to bring a carer, family member or friend with them if they like. The program provides accurate information about brain function and focuses on ways to help maintain a person's abilities as well as offering practical strategies for living with dementia.
There are also programs for people with younger onset dementia (diagnosis of dementia before the age of 65 years).
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Participants must have a diagnosis of dementia or be accompanying a person with a diagnosis.
Content covered includes:
Do have a look at using the Abbey pain scale.
The Abbey Pain Scale is used for people with dementia or who cannot verbalise.
http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/silverbook/tools/abbey-pain-scale/
You can help your loved one by filling this out. It will give you a greater understanding of just 'what is going on'.
If you are considering going on a holiday or travelling within Australia and would still like to use respite services, you should discuss these plans with your Home Care Package or Consumer Directed Respite Care package case manager who may be able to help you make arrangements. Alternatively, you can contact the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCC) in the area you are travelling to. CRCCs operate on a regional basis so be sure to talk to the one based in the area you are travelling to and not the one where you live.
For respite away from home, you can call a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 or
1800 059 059 for Emergency respite They can provide information on the nearest respite service that suits you.
The Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and support for carers in late 2019. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
The Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and support for carers in late 2019. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
In Australia, medical specialists with expertise in dementia include:
Read more:
A consumer companion guide to the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia
A quick reference guide:
http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/cdpc/documents/resources/professional_reference_guide_2016.pdf
and also
http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/cdpc/documents/resources/CDPC-Dementia-Recommendations_WEB.pdf
Dementia is a clinical syndrome which can be caused by a number of underlying diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease). Dementia can affect memory, thinking, behaviour, communication and ability to perform activities of daily living.
1. People with dementia describe the condition as disabling, challenging, life changing and stressful.
2. The impact of dementia on carers is significant and caring for a person with dementia may lead to poor health, depression and social isolation.
Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) provides free one-on-one counselling sessions for people affected by a diagnosis of dementia, including the person with dementia, their families and carers.
Depending on your location, appointments are available either by telephone or face to face.
Telephone counselling sessions are available between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
To book a time for a telephone counselling session please call our free National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
What does counselling involve?
The National Dementia Helpline can also assist you with information and advice about memory loss, dementia and good brain health
http://www.dementia.org.au/helpline/webchat
Would you like to chat online?
Webchat operates between 9.00am and 5.00pm EST, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Out of hours assistance
When Webchat is not available, we will contact you the next business day if you:
Call us now on 1800 100 500 and leave a message
Send us an email
Use our call-back request form
For urgent assistance please call the following services which are available 24/7:
000: for a medical emergency
13 11 14: Lifeline for urgent counselling and emotional support
1800 699 799: Dementia Support Australia (DBMAS) for support with dementia related challenging behaviours
1800 052 222: Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres for urgent carer respite
Privacy
Only you and the Dementia Advisor can see your online conversation, however we will need to record some of your details for statistical and reporting reasons. For more information about how we use and store your personal information, please read our privacy policy.
3. Approximately nine per cent of Australians aged 65 and over have a diagnosis of dementia; in people aged 85 years and older this figure rises to 30 per cent.
4. As Australia’s population ages, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase. These Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for people with dementia are written primarily for health and aged care staff (doctors, nurses, allied health and care workers) who work with people with dementia in community, residential and hospital settings. Health and aged care staff should apply the recommendations in their workplaces while also responding to the needs and preferences of the person with dementia and their carer(s) and family.
The following key points are addressed within the recommendations:
• The symptoms of dementia should be investigated the first time they are reported and not dismissed as a ‘normal part of ageing’.
• Health and aged care professionals should talk to the person with dementia and their carer(s) and family about the symptoms of dementia, treatments and services. Written information (such as brochures) should also be provided.
• Steps should be taken to prevent, recognise and manage common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia such as depression and agitation. In most cases, training the carer(s) and family to provide care, forming specific strategies to address behaviours that are most upsetting, making small changes to the living environment and finding interesting and enjoyable activities for the person to do should be tried first.
. Medication to manage these symptoms should usually only be offered after these other strategies have been given an adequate trial. Due to the increased risk of serious adverse events, people with mild-to-moderate behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia should not usually be prescribed antipsychotic medications.
• Doctors, nurses, allied health and care workers should receive training in dementia care. They should be trained in how to communicate clearly with the person with dementia, their carer(s) and family and to provide person-centred care.
• The person with dementia should be encouraged to exercise, eat well, keep doing as much for themselves as possible and stay socially connected in their local community. Staff and carer(s) should be taught how to encourage independence.
• Medical practitioners should consider medication (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine) to assist in the management of the cognitive symptoms of dementia.
• Carer(s) and family should be supported to care for the person with dementia. They should be offered education and training to enable them to develop skills in managing the symptoms of dementia and be offered respite when needed. Carer(s) and family should be given information about coping strategies to maintain their own wellbeing and be supported to maintain their overall health and fitness.
This is Highly Valued information. Any help the Carer and their loved one can get is invaluable. For both their sakes. J.
7 January 2021
Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dementia-taking-care-of-carers Summary:
- If the carer is tired or stressed, it can become harder to care for a person with dementia.
- It is important for carers to continue activities they enjoy.
- For some men, taking responsibility for household jobs and being a carer may mean learning new skills.
- Carers may experience feelings of guilt, grief, loss or anger.
- Carers should take a break from caregiving to avoid becoming worn down.
- Support and respite care are available for carers and can provide comfort and practical assistance.
If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
Symptoms of caregiver stress
- Denial
- Anger
- Social withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Exhaustion
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Health problems
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to cornonavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the carers line on 132 717.
Find out all the info here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19/if-you-already-get-payment-from-us-coronavirus-covid-19/carers-coronavirus-covid-19
06 April 2020
Accessing the right dementia support
Last Updated at September 28th 2021
Finding the best support for dementia can be vital after a recent diagnosis and ensures you are well set up to receive the quality care you need and deserve.
- Support for people with dementia is available through multiple avenues, including through organisations such as Dementia Australia or Carer Gateway
- Carers can access a number of support networks that provide advice and information about caring for a loved one with dementia
- If your dementia requires more care assistance, you may need to look into Government options
There are a lot of different supports available for people with dementia to assist them in their day to day life. [Source: Shutterstock] Looking for support groups, dementia support services or Government help that can improve your daily living is important to navigate the next steps in your dementia journey. Dementia research and support is growing every year with the Federal Government throwing more assistance to the cause through funding and research initiatives. Whether it’s dementia for an individual over the age of 65 or younger onset dementia, there are support networks in place for the different stages of dementia, including their carers and loved ones.
Over the age of 65 Your local doctor or family general practitioner can be a good supplier of information for dementia support. Talking to your doctor will help establish the next phase after the diagnosis as well as what support options there are to consider.
There are also multiple resources available online and through dementia organisations that can provide access to information you may need to deal with your dementia. The biggest peak body organisation in the nation, Dementia Australia, has an abundance of information to access on their website. They provide different forms of support, whether that is in information, online forums or support groups.
Dementia Australia also facilitates the National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500. There is a lot of information available for dementia and the support you may need.
Additionally, Dementia Australia has counselling, programs, and dementia advisory services to help you through a new diagnosis. The Dementia Pathway Tool was a project created by regional Victorian health institutes and national universities to create an easy to navigate information platform about dementia.
This site provides access to information about dementia, in all its stages, including booklets and tips for handling dementia. Additionally, information is laid out on the website in a step by step dementia process, so you can understand what you might need to look at next in your dementia journey.
Dementia Support Australia (DSA), led by HammondCare, provides access to a huge library of dementia related resources and is at the forefront of delivering important dementia services across Australia. DSA offers free 24/7 services and advice through its support line, 1800 699 799, and, on behalf of the Government, delivers support services to people with more challenging or severe behaviours due to their dementia.
The organisation also has a resource library for people with dementia and their carers to learn more about dementia.
HammondCare also founded the HammondCare Dementia Centre to be a provider of research and expert help to the aged care sector and those living with dementia.
The aim of the Centre is to assist people with dementia to continue living as independently as possible through dementia friendly design and items, and assist aged care services to deliver dementia friendly care and support. The Centre also has the latest in clinical trials, if you want to participate in dementia research, and a knowledge hub that can direct you to helpful books and information about dementia.
Leading the world in dementia research is the University of Tasmania's Wicking Dementia Centre, which provides world class dementia training to people in aged care and the general public while also supporting those who live with dementia. There are free online courses available for people with dementia, their carers and their family to assist them in understanding dementia.
A campaign from Caring for Cognitive Impairment created an online resource library for people with dementia, their carers, families, and experts in aged care and health to provide the best practice dementia support possible. Consumers are also able to share their personal experience dealing with health and aged care environments as a person with dementia or a family member helping a person with dementia.
Some local Councils in Australia provide dementia support services for those in their community who live with dementia.
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Dementia support pilot launched
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/new-dementia-support-pilot-launched
Published date: 2 September 2020
A new dementia carer support pilot has been launched. My Dementia Companion is an online tool that guides family, friends and carers through one of life's most challenging and confusing journeys.
My Dementia Companion offers personalised and practical support for a person’s dementia journey. It is easy to use and accessible at any time online. The program supports people to:
- find government services
- access local support and services
- better understand dementia and how to develop care and coping strategies at home.
My Dementia Companion is one of four winning technology ideas from Dementia Australia’s Decoding Dementia 2019 Innovation Program.
Initially, this pilot will run for six weeks. For more information, or for families wishing to take part in the pilot, visit the My Dementia Companion website.
Last updated date: 2 September 2020
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Be a healthy caregiver - Interventions to Support Carers of People with Dementia
This review was released on 18 October 2018 and considers what works to support carers of older people with dementia to prevent or delay entry into residential aged care. Download the review: Interventions to Support Carers of People with Dementia (PDF - 1059 Kb)
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways to be a healthy caregiver.
As a carer it is important to look after yourself. If you’re not well it is difficult for you to look after someone else. This guide has information about the meaning of wellness and many handy strategies to help you improve your wellness and increase your resilience.
- Know what resources are available. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meals-on-Wheels are just some of the services that can help you. These people are Your Team. Your's and your Loved Ones. They will be with you for many years and be of invaluable help.
- Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Click here for the new unified, national peak body for Alzheimer's Australia. You are looking for Alzheimer's Australia Gold Coast Inc.
- Tips for those Carers who are looking after a loved one with Dementia.
Do look also at http://www.dementiaresearch.org.au/images/2077_DCRC_respite_guide_6web.pdf
Tips to add "that Extra" for your loved one:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/family-caregiving.htm
Respite Care - Category: Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Health
and: Degenerative Disorders
There are a number of programs which support and assist carers. There are services for carers of people with a mental illness, for carers of people with a disability, for carers of people with a terminal illness and for carers of older people and those with dementia.
Planned respite gives carers a break and provides them with opportunities to pursue other activities and interests. Respite care can be provided in an emergency - for example, if the carer will be away unexpectedly. It can also be planned at regular intervals, provided in the home, and even give a carer a longer break.
Health direct topics:
Tips for those Carers who are looking after a loved one with Dementia.
Do look also at http://www.dementiaresearch.org.au/images/2077_DCRC_respite_guide_6web.pdf
- National Respite for Carers Program
The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) may be right for you if you are the primary carer of a person with dementia who cannot properly look after themself without your help.
- The NRCP provides access to a variety of respite services which can take place in:
- the home of the person you care for
- a community centre
- the home of a friend or family member
- an aged care home.
- It’s easy to apply for the NRCP. Call the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres on 1800 052 222 and they can help you connect with organisations in your area that provide respite services.
The organisations that can provide respite services for you will conduct their own assessment of your situation to work out what’s best for you and the person you care for. It’s usually not too formal, unless the person you care for needs to have a short stay in an aged care home as part of their respite care.
To find out more, call the NRCP on 1800 052 222.
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Living with Memory Loss
Living with Memory Loss courses are run throughout the year and dates can be tailored to suit the needs of participants. Phone 1800 100 500
The Living with Memory Loss program is designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who want to share their experiences or feelings with others in the same situation. Participants are able to bring a carer, family member or friend with them if they like. The program provides accurate information about brain function and focuses on ways to help maintain a person's abilities as well as offering practical strategies for living with dementia.
There are also programs for people with younger onset dementia (diagnosis of dementia before the age of 65 years).
Cost: Free (funded by the Australian Government)
Suitable for: Participants must have a diagnosis of dementia or be accompanying a person with a diagnosis.
Content covered includes:
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Adapting to change
- Research and new drug treatments
- Practical strategies for everyday living
- Relationships with family and friends
- Looking after yourself
- Planning for the future
- Community services
- Where to from here?
- Do have a look at "Your Stress Management"...
The Six Phases of Caring: http://carerlifecourse.org.au/interactive/main.htm
- Get help. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking others for assistance. Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Have a look about joining a Carer's Queensland Support Group in your area. These informal meetings are a good source of comfort and reassurance.
- You are a Male carer. It's dammed difficult! Have a look here to get some hints.
- Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing. Take advantage of community services such as adult day care or in-home companion services to care for your loved one while you take a break.
- Manage your stress level. Stress can cause physical problems and changes in behavior. If you experience symptoms of caregiver stress, use relaxation techniques that work for you, and consult your doctor.
- Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer's change and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Look into care services such as in-home caregiver services and residential care.
- Do legal and financial planning. Consult an attorney to discuss legal, financial and care issues. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer's and other family members.
- Be realistic. Many of the behaviours that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer's. Grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments.
- Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don't feel guilty because you can't do more. Your loved one Needs you, and You are there – that should make you feel proud.
- Tips for those Carers who are looking after a loved one with Dementia: http://www.dementiaresearch.org.au/images/2077_DCRC_respite_guide_6web.pdf
- https://www.dementia.org.au/files/NATIONAL/documents/Flexible-Respite%20Brochure-Consumers.pdf
Do have a look at using the Abbey pain scale.
The Abbey Pain Scale is used for people with dementia or who cannot verbalise.
http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/silverbook/tools/abbey-pain-scale/
You can help your loved one by filling this out. It will give you a greater understanding of just 'what is going on'.
If you are considering going on a holiday or travelling within Australia and would still like to use respite services, you should discuss these plans with your Home Care Package or Consumer Directed Respite Care package case manager who may be able to help you make arrangements. Alternatively, you can contact the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCC) in the area you are travelling to. CRCCs operate on a regional basis so be sure to talk to the one based in the area you are travelling to and not the one where you live.
For respite away from home, you can call a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 or
1800 059 059 for Emergency respite They can provide information on the nearest respite service that suits you.
The Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and support for carers in late 2019. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
The Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and support for carers in late 2019. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. These new services can help you to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support you need before reaching crisis point.
In Australia, medical specialists with expertise in dementia include:
- geriatricians, http://www.goldcoasthealthcare.com/geriatric-medicine
- neurologists,
- psychiatrists and
- psychogeriatricians.
- One of these specialists will conduct an assessment in a clinic and will usually be the person who makes and gives the diagnosis. The specialist should be able to organise any necessary further tests or treatments.
- At some point a GP or specialist may order neuroimaging (either a CT scan or MRI scan) which they will use to help make a diagnosis. Medical science is constantly exploring new neuroimaging tests to help in the diagnosis of dementia. Although people may talk about tests such as PET or SPECT, the guidelines recommend that further research is conducted before these tests are used on all people with dementia.
- Some services have nursing and allied health staff as part of their team who may offer further assessment and treatment after diagnosis.
- These include:
- neuropsychologists,
- psychologists,
- social workers,
- speech pathologists,
- occupational therapists,
- dietitians,
- pharmacists,
- exercise physiologists or physiotherapists.
- The memory assessment specialist should also link carers, family members or friends who would benefit from more support or information into services within the community.
Read more:
A consumer companion guide to the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia
A quick reference guide:
http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/cdpc/documents/resources/professional_reference_guide_2016.pdf
and also
http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/cdpc/documents/resources/CDPC-Dementia-Recommendations_WEB.pdf
Dementia is a clinical syndrome which can be caused by a number of underlying diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease). Dementia can affect memory, thinking, behaviour, communication and ability to perform activities of daily living.
1. People with dementia describe the condition as disabling, challenging, life changing and stressful.
2. The impact of dementia on carers is significant and caring for a person with dementia may lead to poor health, depression and social isolation.
Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) provides free one-on-one counselling sessions for people affected by a diagnosis of dementia, including the person with dementia, their families and carers.
Depending on your location, appointments are available either by telephone or face to face.
Telephone counselling sessions are available between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
To book a time for a telephone counselling session please call our free National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
What does counselling involve?
- Identifying strategies for managing and living with dementia
- Planning for the future
- Dealing with feelings of stress, anger or other emotions
- Helping to resolve conflicts within families
- Helping to obtain appropriate services or practical assistance.
The National Dementia Helpline can also assist you with information and advice about memory loss, dementia and good brain health
http://www.dementia.org.au/helpline/webchat
Would you like to chat online?
Webchat operates between 9.00am and 5.00pm EST, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Out of hours assistance
When Webchat is not available, we will contact you the next business day if you:
Call us now on 1800 100 500 and leave a message
Send us an email
Use our call-back request form
For urgent assistance please call the following services which are available 24/7:
000: for a medical emergency
13 11 14: Lifeline for urgent counselling and emotional support
1800 699 799: Dementia Support Australia (DBMAS) for support with dementia related challenging behaviours
1800 052 222: Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres for urgent carer respite
Privacy
Only you and the Dementia Advisor can see your online conversation, however we will need to record some of your details for statistical and reporting reasons. For more information about how we use and store your personal information, please read our privacy policy.
3. Approximately nine per cent of Australians aged 65 and over have a diagnosis of dementia; in people aged 85 years and older this figure rises to 30 per cent.
4. As Australia’s population ages, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase. These Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for people with dementia are written primarily for health and aged care staff (doctors, nurses, allied health and care workers) who work with people with dementia in community, residential and hospital settings. Health and aged care staff should apply the recommendations in their workplaces while also responding to the needs and preferences of the person with dementia and their carer(s) and family.
The following key points are addressed within the recommendations:
• The symptoms of dementia should be investigated the first time they are reported and not dismissed as a ‘normal part of ageing’.
• Health and aged care professionals should talk to the person with dementia and their carer(s) and family about the symptoms of dementia, treatments and services. Written information (such as brochures) should also be provided.
• Steps should be taken to prevent, recognise and manage common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia such as depression and agitation. In most cases, training the carer(s) and family to provide care, forming specific strategies to address behaviours that are most upsetting, making small changes to the living environment and finding interesting and enjoyable activities for the person to do should be tried first.
. Medication to manage these symptoms should usually only be offered after these other strategies have been given an adequate trial. Due to the increased risk of serious adverse events, people with mild-to-moderate behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia should not usually be prescribed antipsychotic medications.
• Doctors, nurses, allied health and care workers should receive training in dementia care. They should be trained in how to communicate clearly with the person with dementia, their carer(s) and family and to provide person-centred care.
• The person with dementia should be encouraged to exercise, eat well, keep doing as much for themselves as possible and stay socially connected in their local community. Staff and carer(s) should be taught how to encourage independence.
• Medical practitioners should consider medication (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine) to assist in the management of the cognitive symptoms of dementia.
• Carer(s) and family should be supported to care for the person with dementia. They should be offered education and training to enable them to develop skills in managing the symptoms of dementia and be offered respite when needed. Carer(s) and family should be given information about coping strategies to maintain their own wellbeing and be supported to maintain their overall health and fitness.
This is Highly Valued information. Any help the Carer and their loved one can get is invaluable. For both their sakes. J.
7 January 2021