Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be challenging. For Bill and his wife, Betty, who is now also his carer, it was a heartbreaking discovery.
Dementia affects nearly half a million Australians, with almost 1.6 million Aussies involved in caregiving. It’s a progressive disease without a cure, affecting cognitive function and daily activities.
After a hospital visit, a social worker recommended the dementia rehabilitation program provided by Encara and funded by South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network. The 12-week in-home program aims to enhance independence and wellbeing through allied health-led activities. Led by allied health professionals, the program offers podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and optional art and music therapy.
Initially hesitant about art therapy, Bill and Betty found it surprisingly beneficial and said it helped Bill come out of his shell. Visits from the program’s professionals aided Bill’s mobility and Betty’s caregiving confidence. “The program helped me a lot, just knowing that I’m doing the right thing,” she said.
The program, available to people aged 65 and over, has recently expanded from Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Casey to include residents of the City of Frankston, City of Greater Dandenong, and City of Kingston.
Bill and Betty highly recommend the program. “To anyone given the opportunity to join, we would say embrace it with open arms and don’t let it go.”
Encara accepts all referrals, including self-referrals. For more information, visit Encara’s website at www.encara.com.au/in-home-dementia-rehabilitation
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