Victorians who care for an elderly relative are needed to volunteer for a vital research study on depression.
The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) is currently investigating the effectiveness of an exercise program in reducing depression and improving the wellbeing of older people and their carers.
Titled IMPACCT (Improving Mood through Physical Activity for Carers and Care recipients Trial), the study is looking for volunteers in the Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong regions.
“The idea of the trial is to develop ways older carers and the person they are caring for can exercise together at home,” said the project’s coordinator, Dr Kirsten Moore.
She hopes that the exercise program will improve the mood and physical function of the carer, and also improve the physical abilities and mood of the person being cared for.
“What we hope the research will show us is that exercise can and does take some of the stress and effort out of the care relationship,” Dr Moore said.
IMPACCT was developed in response to the growing number of people who are looking after their parents or partners at home.
Dr Moore said that research shows that the burden of caring for a friend or family member at home can sometimes lead to depression, which can also impact on a person’s physical health and wellbeing.
“People providing care who are experiencing depression may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, guilty, irritable, frustrated, unmotivated or unhappy. While everyone experiences low mood, feeling like this intensely and for more than two weeks may indicate depression.”
She said that lifestyle changes that can help combat depression include physical exercise and improved diet.
“Unfortunately these changes can be difficult to implement when you’re busy caring for someone else.
“This is why we have created IMPACCT – to encourage [the] carer and the person being cared for to exercise together.”
Volunteers aged over 60 and who are living at home and caring for someone who is also aged over 60 may or may not be eligible to participate.
All assessments and interventions will take place in the home and over the telephone so no travel is required.
Please call Aurora Elmes at NARI on 03 8387 2315 or email a.elmes@nari.unimelb.edu.au if you’re interested in volunteering, or for more information on IMPACCT.
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Please contact Aurora Elmes at NARI on 03 8387 2315 or email a.elmes@nari.unimelb.edu.au
Our organisation runs respite retreats for Carers and Consumers in Northern NSW.
This might be something we can send them home with as we include a education component in our program on wellbeing for Carers and Consumers.
We would even be happy to trial it with our Carers in Northern NSW if you are interested.