Sep 20, 2023

The rehabilitation program keeping dementia clients independent at home for longer

Blog-images
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 52% of people with dementia aged 85–89 and 54% aged 90 and over live in the community. [Source: Supplied]

A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean you must give up your life and independence. In fact, many older people with dementia live a full and happy life being supported at home outside of residential care – a preference of the majority of our ageing population.

To help more people with dementia stay independent for as long as possible, allied health provider Encara has introduced its first in-home Dementia Rehabilitation Program to residents in the Mornington Peninsula and City of Casey regions.

Based on a comprehensive, evidence-based therapy and educational model, the program aims to support and enhance consumers’ well-being and quality of life post-dementia diagnosis.

Led by a team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, Encara’s 12-week Dementia Rehabilitation program incorporates a well-rounded range of holistic therapies – such as music therapy, art therapy, and aromatherapy – to stimulate the mind and soul. Consumers are further supported with referrals to additional Encara allied health services as needed, giving consumers access to dieticians and speech therapists, further supporting consumers to stay well at home.

Links  between staying independent and movement are  well-documented, which is why Encara created the program based on its existing Cognitive Support and Wellness Programs. The Dementia Rehabilitation  program gives consumers access to weekly individualised balance and strength training conducted by physiotherapists  in the comfort of their home. Assessments at commencement, and re-assessments during and on completion of the program ensure clients are on the right track.

The program also includes support and education for clients’ families and care partners to help those in support roles who may be struggling.

Encara General Manager, Melanie Kerslake, stressed the program focused on the independence and well-being for clients and their loved ones, to support ageing in place.

“It gives people opportunities to retain or regain skills and activities they may have lost or be at risk of losing.”

Encara accepts all referrals including self-referrals, family referrals or health professional referrals from General Practitioners (GP), specialists, care partners and other allied health professionals. Eligibility criteria for the program states clients much be:

  • Over the age of 65
  • Experiencing cognitive decline or have a dementia diagnosis
  • A resident living in the communities of the Mornington Peninsula or City of Casey regions

This program will run until June 2024.

Download a referral form here or visit their website here. Alternatively, send all referrals and enquiries to dementia@encara.com.au or call 1300 761 965.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Online course helps GPs increase their dementia knowledge

A body of work to upskill GPs on dementia is gathering pace, with a new online course that aims to make it easier for GPs and Primary Health Care Nurses to recognise, diagnose and manage dementia. The Dementia Training Australia (DTA) course, Recognising, Diagnosing and Managing Dementia in General Practice, includes the most up-to-date advice on... Read More

The Top Reasons Why Older People in Aged Care are Seeking Help

While we all hope navigating and accessing the aged care system will be a problem-free experience, like all good things, it does come with some pitfalls. These issues can be serious and may result in seeking outside support such as an aged care advocate. Read More

Dementia-Friendly Cinemas: Taking Grandma to the Movies

With the growing number of people with dementia living in the community, it’s necessary that society adapts to be more inclusive. This not only means having more dementia and healthcare services available – but allowing people with dementia to go about regular activities with ease. Some examples are using clearer signs and less harsh lights... Read More
Advertisement