NATIONAL Carers Week, running from October 11-17, is an opportunity to recognise more than 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend who has an illness, disability, frailty or a mental health condition.
Boonah resident Bevan Pressler is one such carer.
Mr Pressler has been caring for his wife Rosie, who has been living with dementia for 10 years.
Despite the challenges of caring for someone living with dementia, Mr Pressler is passionate about helping others care well for their loved one.
“The best way to manage caring for someone living with dementia is to nurture them in a place where they feel secure,” he said.
“That’s exactly what I’ve concentrated on doing for the past 10 years.”
Every day, Mr Pressler puts on Rosie’s favourite music and takes her for a drive, which he said made her “so happy”.
With funding through their Home Care Package, Mr and Mrs Pressler receive support from Centacare, both in their home and at Centacare’s Beaudesert Community Centre.
Recently, the Presslers visited the re-opening of Centacare’s Memory Café in Beaudesert.
Memory Cafes offer an opportunity for people living with dementia, and their carers, to connect and share stories in a safe, welcoming environment.
These services help them live well in their own homes and the communities they love.
Carers of people living with dementia would also be eligible to receive services from Centacare funded through Queensland Health Dementia Respite (QHDR).
Similar to a Home Care Package, this funding could be used by carers who would benefit from some respite from their caring role and associated everyday tasks.
Support and services could include anything from health and fitness, allied health and therapy services, social activities, personal care, transport, in-home assistance and home safety and maintenance.
Centacare’s Memory Cafes are gradually re-commencing across South-East Queensland, in line with COVID-19 restrictions.
If you’d like to find out more, contact Centacare’s friendly team on 1300 236 822.
