The Dementia Care Sydney Centre is an innovative residential and outpatient care centre for people with memory loss. It aims to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers. The centre has a dedicated team of professionals who provide high-quality dementia care services to people throughout Sydney and the wider region. Andrew Cole is the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research at HammondCare. He is also a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales. He teaches students at the UNSW Hammondville, St George and Kensington campuses. He has also presented lectures in Japan and Thailand.
An innovative program based on the UK model, Arts on Prescription for the Aged at Home, offers the arts as an essential component of a person’s health care regimen. The program is delivered in collaboration with traditional health care services, acknowledging that there is more to health than traditional medical practices. Designed by Professor Chris Poulos, head of research at HammondCare and associate professor at UNSW, Arts on Prescription for the Aged at Home targets people aged 65 years and older experiencing a range of health and wellbeing challenges, from frailty to mild cognitive impairment to bereavement.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy for dementia care has been Group Homes Australia identified as a valuable service to individuals living with the condition. However, many barriers prevent occupational therapists from providing this service. These include organisational restrictions, time constraints, and inadequate staffing. This research is intended to fill this gap. The findings are expected to contribute to the ongoing research on this topic. For instance, future studies should include a more comprehensive evaluation of the role of occupational therapy in dementia care.
Palliative care
A partnership between the University of Sydney and HammondCare, an aged care and dementia charity, has been announced. The partnership aims to shape the future of aged care by providing education and enhancing the social impact of the sector. It also recognises thought leadership in the field. Several factors hinder the uptake of palliative care for people living with dementia, including limited access to specialist care. Listed below are some of the barriers that prevent the provision of palliative care in the Sydney region.
Aged care training
In the course of providing care to people with dementia, a healthcare professional will learn the importance of early diagnosis and understanding how to cope with the symptoms of this disease. Dementia training courses can improve the health care professionals’ knowledge of dementia and the resources in their community. The training is especially important in rural and remote areas where community support can be limited. A video about the stages of dementia is available on the DCTEP website.
Advance care planning
While it may be difficult to think about, the process of advance care planning is incredibly important for the person with dementia and their family. Making an Advance Care Plan is an excellent way to provide clear directions for medical and personal care. It helps families and medical professionals work together and helps people cope with the challenges of cognitive decline. This can be done in a number of ways, including naming an alternate decision-maker. This article provides tips to help families create an Advance Care Plan.