September is Dementia Awareness Month.
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Alzheimer’s Australia defines dementia as a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
There are many different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia and Parkinson's disease, and each has its own causes.
About 415,000 people in Australia have a diagnosis of dementia.
It is the single greatest cause of disability in people over 65.
Dementia does not only affect older Australians but people much younger.
According to Alzheimer’s Australia there are about 25,000 Australian with younger onset dementia.
People with dementia can benefit from activities that engage their minds and allow them to mix with others.
Interchange Australia offers a wide variety of activities such as music, art and cooking.
These activities have delivered positive outcomes for clients such as facilitating socialisation, assisting in maintaining current abilities, and enhancing their quality of life.
Interchange Australia also offers respite services that provide carers with a break.
Interchange Australia can offer both government-subsidised and private services for people with dementia and their carers.
Interchange Australia is an approved provider of aged care services as well as NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) supports and is able to provide a range of services for people with low to high needs.
My Aged Care is the gateway to subsidised services for people over 65 years and contactable on 1800 200 422 or at www.myagedcare.gov.au.
For people under 65 years of age the NDIS is the gateway to receive individual funding and is contactable on 1800 800 110 or at www.ndis.gov.au.
Interchange Australia can also provide services on a private basis without the need for an assessment for as much or as little service on a short to long term basis.
Private services can span from home care to nursing care and anything in between.
If people are approved for subsidised care but want a service not offered or would like more service than available, private services can be used to top up government funded services.
Private services can also be purchased whilst a person is on a waiting list.
- This article was written by an Interchange Australia Consultant. Interchange Australia provides a wide range of services for people with disability, older people and families with a child with autism. For more information about Interchange Australia’s services, visit: www.interchangeau.org, www.facebook.com/interchangeau or phone 1300 112 334.
