Dementia care research volunteers wanted
More volunteers are needed to participate in a study that aims to significantly improve the quality of care provided to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, by developing and implementing new systems, skills and resources for volunteer carers, care workers and health professionals.
The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus has joined healthcare researchers at the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, University of Technology Queensland, in a study aimed at improving the quality of care for people with dementia and their caregivers.
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing funded study ‘Improving communication about end of life issues for people with dementia’ aims to significantly improve the quality of care provided to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, by developing and implementing new systems, skills and resources for volunteer carers, care workers and health professionals.
”To be successful this unique study needs post-bereaved dementia carers who are willing share their knowledge of dementia and their experiences during the time they cared for their family member,” states Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, chief executive officer, Sharon Callister.
Participants in the study will work closely with health professionals for four hours a week. During this time they will assist these practitioners with visits and discussions with people who are living with low or mid-stage dementia and their carers.
“As a provider of aged care facilities, we view this is an important and exciting project for The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus.
“This is the first of its kind in Australia. Very little work has been done in this area and any additional information we can garner for future family caregivers of people with dementia will certainly bring benefits to everyone.
“This is very much a hands-on research project. We are asking for volunteers to work closely with health care professionals. Volunteers who have previously cared for family members or close friends living with Dementia,” says Ms Callister.
The year-long research project is being conducted at seven aged care residential facilities in Queensland and New South Wales.
The research collaboration has been funded by the Commonwealth government’s Department of Health and Ageing and also includes, Queensland University of Technology, Spiritus and Alzheimers Australia.
To volunteer at either of the Salvation Army centres contact Cairns Aged Care Centre, Chapel Hill in Brisbane – Major Mel Stephens (07) 3379 9800 and Woodport Hostel, Erina, Central Coast – Major Jo Chant (02) 4365 2660.
