As part of CAN GIVE DAY 2024 we sat down with Registered Nurse, Angela, to learn more about the Quality Dementia Care Program, which was made possible thanks to CAN GIVE DAY 2023.
Image featuring Registered Nurse, Angela
A: Rapid Assessment of the deteriorating aged at risk (RADAR) is a short term outreach service providing comprehensive assessment for older adults in the community. The aim of the service is to support them in their own home as long as possible, keep them safe and prevent hospital presentations. RADAR improves patient’s quality of life and outcomes in addressing increased community demands to stay at home healthier and longer. The Quality Dementia Care Program will add value to the service provision through promotion of our person-centred approach to excellence in dementia care. The products will support holistic dementia care to maintain the highest quality of life for patients living with dementia in the community.
Q: How does it make a difference for patients?A: Two in three people with dementia are thought to be living in the community. RADAR advocates for positive change in the outpatient setting to enable people living with dementia to live as well as possible. We are hoping these products will promote meaningful engagement, provide distraction, and promote quality of life for those of our patients who live with dementia as well as their carers. The products included in this program will be promoting brain and memory function through comforting sensory experience, relieving tension and restlessness. We also believe this is a non-pharmacological strategy helping in de-escalating challenging behaviours related to behavioural and physical symptoms of dementia (known as responsive behaviours) through provision of a sense of safety and comfort for patients living with dementia
Q: How does it make your job easier?A: These products will assist in connecting with the patient and the carer. Understanding and addressing the complex healthcare needs of the person living with dementia as well as the needs of the carer require a person-centred approach which includes a tailored care plan. The Quality Dementia care Program will offer a greater range of opportunities for the team to improve patient’s and carer’s overall wellbeing and daily living.
Q: What would you say to people thinking about donating to CHF?A: The RADAR team is passionate about supporting older people in our community and strives to provide excellence in dementia care. By donating to CHF, you make the change possible in the healthcare system by promoting best practice and integrated care.
Q: When people donate to CHF they are supporting staff like yourself what would say to thank the Canberra community for their support?A: Thank you to the Canberra Community for valuing the essential role we play in supporting older people’s health in their own home and keeping them safe. We are always looking to improve our service delivery and the dementia care products will allow this to occur. We need to support each other and understand each other to enable change. With your donations, RADAR will be able to address the dementia care challenge in a more holistic and progressive way.
Learn more about CAN GIVE DAY 2024 and how you too can make a difference.
