Sticking by each other in aged care

When Phyllis Hodges was hit by a car while out walking, it was ‘touch and go’ as to whether she would survive her injuries.

She was hospitalised for three months, and during this time, her husband John, who lives with dementia, was left without a carer, and so he moved into residential care at Western Australia’s Amana Living Lesmurdie Parry House.

Thankfully, Ms Hodges (pictured with her husband) recovered from her injuries, and after being discharged, her care needs were assessed. It was determined she required low level care and was also accepted into the Amana Living care facility where she could be closer to her husband.

With the rapid increase in the number of people living with dementia, older couples are facing separation due to their differing care needs. Not so for this couple, who are still together after nearly 70 years of marriage, despite one being affected by dementia.

The couple will celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary in their new home next Wednesday.

With basic health care needs taking priority, the emotional welfare of couples can be overlooked, and yet this can have a significant effect on their general wellbeing and long term health.

The onset of dementia may result in one partner moving into residential care, resulting in forced separation, which can be especially traumatic for couples who have lived together for most of their lives.

Aged care provider, Amana Living, offers both residential care and retirement living units on many of its sites, allowing couples to be accommodated at the same location if space is available – whatever their care needs might be.

“Amana Living takes the needs of couples seriously, and whenever possible, we will help them to stay together in their own home or accommodate them at the same residential site,” Ray Glickman, Amana Living chief executive, says.

Commenting on the Hodges’ situation, Alzheimer’s Australia WA chief executive, Rhonda Parker, said: “Relationships continue to be very important during the journey of dementia both for the carer and for the person with dementia. It is important there is flexibility in long term care options so couples who choose to continue living together have that option.”

Mr and Mrs Hodges will soon move to adjoining rooms so they have their own ‘unit’. The couple’s family will join them for a lunchtime celebration at Amana Living Lesmurdie to mark their 70th wedding anniversary next Wednesday.