Support service for dementia carers doubles
As the carers and family of those living with dementia come under increasing strain, a Western Australian aged and community care provider is expanding a service which aims to manage the impact of dementia.
Amana Living chief executive, Ray Glickman, says the expansion of the McCusker Nurse Service will go some way to alleviate crises for more carers.
Amana Living will launch the McCusker Nurse South service on Monday, which was established with support from Perpetual Funding Trust.
In what has been described as the ‘first’ of its kind in Australia, the McCusker Nurse Service was developed by not for profit aged and community care organisation, Amana Living.
The expansion of the McCusker Nurse Service to the south, which began in 2011, effectively doubles the reach of the award winning program.
It is well known that the carers of those living with dementia experience significant strain.
One worrying statistic comes from researchers at Griffith University in Queensland, who revealed last year that one in four people who care for a family member with dementia had contemplated suicide more than once in the previous year.
The McCusker Nurse Service provides support for the carers of those living with dementia, effectively walking alongside them through the difficult path that the disease presents.
However, demand far outweighs the capacity of the service, despite doubling its reach this year. Funding is desperately needed for a network of nurses across the country.
“Demand for the McCusker Nurse Service in the southern region of Perth alone is projected to top 13,000 by 2018,” Ray Glickman, Amana Living chief executive, said.
“We’re thrilled to be able to appoint the McCusker Nurse South, and to build on the experience gained in the northern suburbs. While the capacity of one nurse doesn't stretch to anywhere near 13,000, this will go some way to alleviate crises for more carers.”
The McCusker Nurse is a dementia expert, who can help carers and families understand the condition and navigate the support options available to them at any stage in the illness.
Importantly, the service also aims to promote wellbeing and enhance quality of life for both carer and the person living with dementia.
Suzi Cowcher, Amana Living chief operating officer, said: “We know that the McCusker Nurse Service is having a significant positive impact.
“Carers have reported a marked reduction in the strain of caring and in the upsetting behaviours often displayed by those living with dementia. The customer service satisfaction results from June 2013 show a very high rate of satisfaction overall, with over 97% of respondents demonstrating that they are very satisfied with the service.”
The Modified Carer Strain index, a validated tool which measures carers’ perceptions of their wellbeing, has shown a significant improvement in the overall wellbeing of the recipients. More than 60% of the carers said their sense of wellbeing had improved.
The new McCusker Nurse South service will be based at Amana Living Bull Creek, as part of a suite of dementia services.
