Working carers deserve a break
With many carers heading back to work after the holidays, it’s important to know that help is available.
Avebury House, run by not-for-profit aged and disability organisation Villa Maria, last week launched its Out and About program, which sees about 10 people who are frail aged or have dementia picked up from their homes by bus and taken on outings in the local area.
Avebury House has been providing a day respite service to meet the individual needs of working carers living or caring for someone who is frail aged or has dementia in the southern metropolitan region in Victoria for the past six years.
Avebury House team leader, Cathy Kenny, said the Out and About program – including pub lunches, scenic drives and visits to local attractions – was an extension of Avebury House’s existing, in-house activities program which included theme days, arts and crafts, and cooking.
“The aim of the weekly outing is so that the carer has a scheduled time where they know the person they’re caring for will be out, so it gives them a day to do something for themselves, such as going out to lunch or meeting up with friends,” Ms Kenny said.
“It also gives their loved ones an interest and an outing and they benefit from meeting other people and developing further friendships.”
Berwick resident, Gordon McLeish said discovering Avebury House soon after his wife Marian was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia two years ago had been a “lifesaver”.
“I’m in full time employment and when Marian was diagnosed it was a shock to me. I thought I would need to leave work to look after her because it was a full time responsibility. But then I was put on to Avebury House and Marian began going two days a week, which then turned into five, and I was able to concentrate on earning an income knowing she was 100 per cent safe and out of harm’s way,” he said.
“Without Avebury House I would have had to resign from my job and at my age, 62, the prospects of being rehired would have been minimal. I don’t know what I would have done without Avebury House, it’s been invaluable.”
Although Marian, aged 60, has been in full-time care at Villa Maria Berwick aged care facility since December, Mr McLeish felt the support at Avebury House had given Marian a better quality of life.
“Avebury House not only provides care but has stimulated and entertained her. I think going there kept her more alert for a year longer than what would have been the case without it. The interaction is intense, loving and caring. It’s not just a job for the staff, it’s a vocation. I’ve said to the girls they’re my angels on earth, and they really are.”
For more information on the program, call (03) 9769 9248.
