Resources
June 2024
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi
With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.
Sharing resources and knowledge will ensure the well-being of all people involved.
This page is a valuable collection of resources that greatly supported my journey. While countless resources are available, I will share only those exceptionally beneficial to me now, and I plan to include even more in the future.
MOOC Online Courses
Let me start by highlighting the incredible inclusivity of the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
This course was my eye-opener to the world of Dementia Care. If you’ve yet to explore the depths of dementia, this course is a must.
This free course is a gateway to high-quality education on the latest developments in dementia research and care. It’s not just for individuals with dementia but also for their caregivers. It provides a supportive community and equips you with skills that can significantly enhance the quality of life at every stage of the disease.
- Online course with NO FEES
- Self-paced- learn at your own pace
- Certification
Dementia Australia
What a fantastic site!
Although I was overwhelmed when I first visited it six years ago, there was so much information that it became confusing. However, they have now updated a new website, ‘ The New Australian Dementia Website.‘ It’s now easier to browse, search, and find the information, advice, and support you need, and the information is also shorter and easier to read.
- In March 2024, Dementia Australia unveiled a groundbreaking new website. This platform, resulting from two years of collaboration with people living with dementia, their families, friends and carers, health workers, supporters, and others, is designed to cater to their unique needs and provide an unparalleled online experience.
- As a fellow Dementia Australia Supporter and Friend, I have found immense value in subscribing to Dementia Australia’s [email protected]. This platform offers research and resources, personal stories, and actionable ways to improve the lives of people living with dementia, their families, and their carers.
- Joining the Dementia Australia online Communities of Practice (CoP) cohort that meets each month and becoming a part of the Dementia Learning Pathways subscribers group, which are all integral parts of the Dementia Learning Hub, has been a truly inclusive and enriching experience.
Navigating this website took a lot of work. Even with a Master’s degree, I had problems; however, the aged care industry in Australia has undergone significant changes in recent years.
- The changes in the aged care industry have introduced new ways to access services, which can sometimes make the customer journey seem complex. However, it’s important to note that these changes, such as the option to access subsidised aged care services through an Aged Care Assessment Team, are not just for the sake of change.
- They aim to improve quality and accessibility, addressing the concerns and needs of the community.
- This service is exclusively available through ‘MyAgedCare, a crucial platform that provides information and empowers you to ensure the right person receives the proper care at the right time, making you feel more informed and prepared.
Anglicare Care
I never knew how excellent respite care could be until I found Anglicare Richmond Social and Wellness Centre.
Admittedly, I was more anxious than my mother about her initial visit to the Richmond Social and Wellness Centre. I may have lingered longer than anticipated, my mind filled with concerns about her well-being and the level of care she would receive. However, after the first hour, my worries were dispelled. Seeing her not just fine but thriving in a safe and nurturing environment with a wonderful, caring staff was a relief.
What is impressive about Anglicare’s Respite service is that it gives you, as a carer, time to recharge and rest. This is essential for your well-being of mind, body, and spirit to continue to be a good carer. The service also provides a variety of respite options for you from:
- Centre-based respite
- Respite in your home
- Short stay respite
- Overnight cottage respite
If you’re currently benefiting from a Commonwealth Home Support Programme or Home Care Package, you can allocate that funding towards your respite care. This financial flexibility is a boon, allowing you to manage your caregiving expenses without stress. These services can also be privately paid for, enhancing your financial control.
Currently, I am utilising a day respite service for three days a week. I am also exploring other options, such as in-home respite, which would allow me to work part-time and short stays or overnight respite for my mother. Despite my initial hesitations due to trust issues, as you’ll see in my blog, I am determined to document my journey once I’ve started. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in future posts.
Carer Gateway
I will be honest. I have not used this organisation yet, but I have added the website for those interested. I like that it has a First Nations category and a fact sheet, ‘Where Carers Can Find Support,‘ to download.
- Carer Gateway, a comprehensive Australian Government program, provides free services and support for carers.
- Extensive collaboration with a vast network of health and care organizations across Australia ensures that services are accessible to carers, fostering a sense of community regardless of where they reside.
- At Carer Gateway, they understand the unique challenges you face as a carer.
- They are dedicated to providing support at every step of your journey, whether you’re caring for a family member or friend with a disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age.
What I find most respectful about this site is the emphasis on the Maori perspective in understanding mate wareware (dementia), particularly through the Mate Wareware App. This section is enriched by the support of kaumatua sharing their experiences. The app provides whānau with information on managing mate wareware and adopting preventive actions and behaviours across the lifespan.
NZ Dementia Foundation Whānau
The New Zealand Dementia Foundation (NZDF) is a platform that promotes collaboration among professionals passionate about advancing dementia care in New Zealand. The foundation keeps its members updated and shares information, education, and knowledge to inspire best practices. As a member of the New Zealand Dementia Foundation, I not only have access to a regular e-newsletter and updates on developments in dementia care across New Zealand but also have the opportunity to participate in webinars and other activities, actively contributing to the advancement of dementia care.
I want to share some of the readings that I found insightful and informative. I will continue to add to this list:
Tom Kitwood’s influential research acknowledges persistent challenges and underscores the crucial need for ongoing efforts to improve the care of individuals with dementia and provide support for their families and caregivers. By fostering a culture of care that respects the uniqueness of each person affected by dementia, we can better understand that there is no single standard experience for individuals with this condition. Both books from Tom Kitwood are insightful and illuminating must-reads, inspiring us to continue our commitment to improving dementia care.
Stephen Miller, a retired speech and language therapist, has penned a book on dementia and communication that is both insightful and easy to digest. It’s a personal favourite of mine, a straightforward read that covers all aspects of communication and the human intersection, a key component in the context of dementia.
Dawn Brooker’s publication on Person-Centered Dementia Care offers a new perspective on the fundamental concepts involved in applying person-centered care for individuals with dementia. It is another favourite author of mine and a straightforward read that encompasses four significant elements of person-centered care.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini
My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, it was not individual
success but the success of a collective
