Uniting AgeWell offers support to those living with dementia – through support in the home and in residential settings.

Care for those living at home

With an increasing number of people supported to live at home with varying stages of dementia and cognitive decline, Uniting AgeWell recognises the importance of support in all its forms.

The good news for customers on all government-funded home care packages is that help at home for those with dementia is set to become more streamlined with the introduction of the new Aged Care Reforms on 1 November. Up until now, customers needed to be tested to see whether they qualified to apply for a dementia supplement over and above their Home Care Package.  Now, those diagnosed with dementia will automatically have the increased needs that dementia presents, factored into their Home Care Package.

Uniting AgeWell Clinical Advisor Lesley Pugh says, “There are services and technological supports available to enable those with dementia to live well and safely at home for as long as possible.”

One is the UMPS Personal Smart Home System which uses a discreet set of smart plugs placed on every day and frequently used household appliances, like the kettle, refrigerator, TV or bedside lamp, and gets to know the older person’s routine. If this changes drastically, perhaps due to a fall or health issue, it will automatically raise an alert with a family member or close contact.

Others include alarms, tracker devices on watches in case of wandering and can even include customer made kettles.

Uniting AgeWell offers Social Connections programs including companionship and social outings for those living with dementia. This also provides important time out for carers.

There is a huge amount of fun and joy in the programs, just ask one of our volunteers, Abhi Wijesinghe, who is a counselling student who is delighted to be learning first-hand what textbooks simply cannot teach.

The third-year student at the Australian College of Applied Professions, volunteers twice a week at a Social Connections program where she spends time with older clients with dementia.

“I want to work in a memory support unit when I graduate,” says Abhi.  “Learning about dementia is fascinating – especially with an increasing number of older people experiencing it.It’s important to understand what makes those with dementia happy and what triggers their behaviour. There are so many ways we can offer support to people to live safely and independently for as long as possible and to enjoy life in the moment.”

Uniting AgeWell also offers one-on-one visits to the customer’s home as well as the Chat-A-Ring program where volunteers chat to older people over the phone.

There is also respite care in residential aged care communities as well as carer respite at home.

Residential aged care

Uniting AgeWell delivers a range of dementia-specific programs designed to nurture the holistic wellbeing of residents living with dementia.

These programs focus on sensory, cognitive, social, emotional and physical wellbeing, helping residents in our aged care facilities feel more engaged, supported and connected every day.

Innovative technology is also embraced to further enhance quality of life including:

• Tovertafel interactive tables (Magic Tables) that bring fun, movement and cognitive stimulation through playful, engaging activities.
• Virtual reality headsets that allow residents to enjoy virtual travel, revisit meaningful places or take part in calming sensory experiences.
• Silent Sounds headsets that provide personalised music or guided meditation, reducing background noise that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

“These programs and technologies create meaningful moments, foster joy, and support dignity for residents living with dementia,” says Uniting AgeWell’s Director of Lifestyle Services, Sharon Levey.

Welcome packs for new residents include sensory items for those living with dementia. The packs include adult colouring books, music vouchers, stress balls and more.