The theme for Dementia Action Week (15-21 September) is “reach out to someone impacted by dementia and reconnect because nobody can do it alone.”

 

Kay, 82, knows this firsthand. She has some advice for couples starting on their dementia journey.  “Make the most of life and enjoy yourselves. Not just for the person with dementia, but the carer too. Remember, you’re not alone. There is help at hand.”

 

Kay and Graeme’s dementia journey started the same way so many others’ have. A slow realisation that her husband, Graeme, now 90, was changing. The brilliant engineer used to build anything and everything as a hobby during his retirement. Letter boxes, furniture and bird boxes. After a while Kay noticed his toolbox in the garage of their Castlemaine home was standing untouched.

 

The symptoms progressed and five years ago the couple received his diagnosis. The retired librarian found herself in a carer’s role. Graeme was assessed and was approved for a government-funded Home Care Package through Uniting AgeWell.

 

They received help around the house with the bulk of his package going towards much-needed respite care. Graeme went out each week on the Day Care bus including having lunch at a café or hotel. He also went with a Uniting AgeWell care worker to the swim centre for exercise physiology each week.

 

During this time, Kay recharged her batteries playing golf, lawn bowls and volunteering in the second-hand op shop. “I sort out and price the donated second-hand books,” Kay explains. “You get some real bargains!”  She also loves walking their dog Jess, gardening, knitting and reading.

 

She also had in-depth conversations with his Care Advisor David Wojtowyez in working out a Plan B for Graeme’s care, should anything happen to her.

 

“I can’t fault Uniting AgeWell on anything,” says Kay. “They are marvellous. David especially has a deep understanding of how things are for carers.”  

 

But Graeme’s needs grew, especially after he suffered two minor strokes. “He was assessed and the recommendation was that he move into residential care,” says Kay. “He needs specialised care, to be honest there is absolutely no way I could have coped looking after him on my own.” Now Kay visits him every day.

 

Uniting AgeWell understands how Kay feels and addresses her concerns and those of many others in the Sharing the Care support kit it produced for families and carers new to residential care. 

 

The kit is designed to help family carers and the person they care for make the transition to residential care a little easier.  The comprehensive support kit, including a section devoted to navigating dementia, guides you through what to expect and how to cope with this significant life change, from emotional responses and personal wellbeing to settling the resident into their new home. It provides practical advice and easy access to the information and supports you might need during this time of transition.