Assistance with dementia at the click of a button
A set of interactive online resources has been launched to assist people living with dementia along with their carers.
A new set of online resources has been launched to assist people living with dementia along with their carers.
Developed by Baptist Community Services – NSW & ACT (BCS) with funding from the Australian Government’s Dementia Intiative, the ‘Living With Dementia’ site contains help sheets, check lists, a short video and a virtual tour of an aged-friendly home.
Work on the site began over two years ago and it has been subjected to extensive consultation and piloting throughout the country since then.
“BCS has worked incredibly hard to ensure that these resources provide up to the minute information on how we can improve the lives of people living with dementia,” said the organisation’s CEO, Dr June Heinrich.
“Of great concern to me is the estimated 731, 000 people who will be living with dementia by the year 2050, unless there is a medical breakthrough.”
Aimed at dementia care workers and service providers, the 20-minute video highlights the potential problems encountered by a person with dementia around the home.
It then demonstrates a range of environmental enhancements and assistive technology solutions to help overcome these difficulties.
“These training resources will encourage carers to use a personal approach when caring for someone with dementia,” said Dr Heinrich.
“Every person has different needs, and relates to the environment and those around them very differently.”
The site also has 29 help sheets, covering topics such as lighting, medication, nutrition and wandering, as well as a home checklist for family careers.
The help sheets also contain contact details for organisations that offer services and products throughout Australia.
All the resources on the new website can also be obtained by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
