DEMENTIA TRAINING CRITICAL FOR CARE WORKERS

By The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine

By
David Sweedman
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dementia australia mental health

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Tags: Dementia Australia.

Around 440,000 Australians live with dementia and almost 1.5 million Australians are involved in their care. However, dementia training is currently not mandatory for aged care and home care workers. Dementia Australia chief executive Maree McCabe recently told the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality that about 70 percent of the aged care workforce did not receive any training about dementia as part of their training.

Featured image(above): Julie Harrison from Carinity Home Care Bribie Island

The team from Carinity Home Care Bribie Island is passionate about providing specialised quality service to older residents experiencing dementia, including conditions such as Alzheimer’s. All of Carinity Home Care Bribie Island’s lifestyle carers are completing dementia-specific training through Dementia Australia and the University of Tasmania. Carinity Home Care Bribie Island Lifestyle Coordinator Julie Harrison says it is important that her team members be skilled in understanding the complexities of dementia. “Dementia is one of the most prevalent conditions to affect the older members of the community.

Therefore, it is important that our care staff are supported in accessing knowledge in understanding dementia and learning skills how to best communicate and encourage persons affected by this disease,” Julie says. “This Carinity team have taken advantage of every opportunity to complete courses in dementia care, whether online, at workshops or at university.

“Knowing how to communicate effectively with persons affected by dementia means Carinity carers can support our clients in not just the activities of daily living but also participating in activities that bring enjoyment to their lives.” The Carinity Home Care Bribie Island team, who all live on Bribie Island or in Caboolture, also support the local Dementia Support Group and the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative.

Julie says Carinity Home Care will soon begin hosting a Dementia Support Group in Caboolture which will meet regularly at community hubs and in dementia-friendly cafés. Carinity Home Care offers a full range of service to support seniors to remain living independently at home including household support, nursing care, personal grooming, and getting them out and about to the shops and with friends in their local community.

For more on Carinity Home Care Bribie Island visit CarinityHomeCare.org.au or phone 0490 441 184.


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David Sweedman
A highly successful sales and leadership career working in a number of different and very competitive industries. Engaging with decision makers at all levels in business and government. Three decades employed by corporations, SME businesses in senior roles and almost twelve years operating as a freelance contractor has equipped me well for all aspects of business. Whether leading and mentoring sales teams, or in a direct sales role I enjoy the challenge to meet and exceed expectations. Making a real and tangible difference in either a team environment or as an individual is an important personal goal I have consistently achieved throughout my career. In all of my business and personal dealings over the years there is one issue that stands out above all others - communication. Excellent communication skills creates trust, helps with mutually beneficial outcomes and above all cements long lasting positive relationships. I strive everyday to communicate effectively with the people I encounter.