Media Release - Alzheimer's Australia

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Oct 17, 2012 - and peer counselling and support services,” Mr Low said. “Within the Sydney region, BCS has recently
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Media Release Moving loved one with dementia into residential care the most difficult decision, new report finds Moving a loved one with dementia into residential care is often the most difficult, stressful and emotional time of the caring experience, a new discussion paper released today has found. More than half the people in residential aged care facilities have dementia, which affects an estimated 300,000 Australians and 100,000 people in NSW. The Hon. John Watkins, the CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, said the discussion paper, The Most Difficult Decision: Dementia and the Move into Residential Aged Care, by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, identified the profound impact moving into residential care can have on people with dementia, their families and carers. “Many tell us that even if they find a great facility for their loved one, the decision to make the move and then the days leading up to the change are some of the most difficult days of their lives,” Mr Watkins said. “One carer told us that moving his mother into care and taking her away from her home and her cats was the most traumatic and saddest event he had ever had to cope with in his life, while another said coping with the change after 63 years of marriage had not been easy. “But what we have found is that when it is managed the right way, it can be much smoother and a much less stressful experience than expected and can help alleviate some of that grief and guilt that is so often associated with this time. “Indeed, many who said they had had a good experience said it was precisely because of good communication with staff at the facility, because they had time to plan for the event and when the person had stayed in the facility beforehand for respite care.” The discussion paper contains several recommendations to help make the transition easier, including that the Australian Government fund a network of key workers to support the carer and person with dementia and that standardised application and information forms are developed. Recommendations also include that service providers enable staff to work with the person with dementia and their carer in their care planning, decision-making and service delivery and that the State Government works with Local Health Districts to develop service pathways for the person with dementia and their carer to plan for a future that may include residential care. “While many people with dementia and their families and carers would like to stay in their own home for as long as possible, there comes a time for a lot of people when there is a need for the sorts of care that residential aged care facilities provide,” Mr Watkins said. “What the research has found is that communication in this process is key – that includes the person with dementia and their families and carers planning ahead for the possibility of the need to move into a residential aged care facility, as well as with staff in the care facility at the time of the move to help ease the transition.”

The report also found that almost half of people with dementia in residential aged care have been moved in directly from hospital following a crisis, adding to the confusion, stress and grief felt during this time. “We would also recommend that discharge planning policy be changed for a person with dementia to provide two days’ notice, as a minimum, to allow the person with dementia, their family and residential aged care facility staff to provide better support in the transition into residential care,” Mr Watkins said. The discussion paper was co-funded by UnitingCare Ageing and Baptist Community Services – NSW & ACT (BCS). Ross Low, the CEO of BCS said a move into residential care should be viewed as an opportunity to share the care and support the carer’s ongoing role and relationship. “In response to the study’s findings, BCS will be taking action in a number of areas to target additional services, particularly in regard to connecting carers with support from both professional and peer counselling and support services,” Mr Low said. “Within the Sydney region, BCS has recently developed an enhanced program for providing professional psychological support specific to the stresses associated with these difficult transitions and adjustments.” “In addition, BCS will be expanding access to carer support groups, as well as providing tools to practically assist carers in understanding and engaging with their loved ones who may be experiencing advanced cognitive decline.” Director of UnitingCare Ageing Steve Teulan said the findings have provided important insights of the emotion and anxiety faced by a carer when they make the decision to place a loved one into residential aged care. “UnitingCare Ageing will be continuing to work with Alzheimer’s Australia to improve our care and support of carers through an innovative education program and support groups,” Mr Teulan said. “This research will help the industry provide a more positive and engaging gateway for those who are making the difficult decision to place a loved one in care.” The discussion paper will be launched at an event held at NSW Parliament House today, which will also mark the 30th Anniversary of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. Mr Watkins said he wanted to thank the many volunteers, staff, carers and people with dementia who had worked so hard to help so many people in need over the past 30 years. “We remember the many – too many – families touched by this condition, but who lived each day with courage and determination, and we remember those who loved them and cared for them,” he said. “We have come a long way in 30 years and we look forward to another 30 years of outstanding care and support of people with dementia, their carers and family." Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is the charity for people with dementia and their families and carers. As the peak body, it provides advocacy, support services, education and information. Almost 300,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to double by 2030. National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 An interpreter service is available (The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)

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