2003

Monday 22nd September 2003
CCA to Open Special Care Units for Residents with Dementia Early 2004
Dementia affects about one in ten people aged over 60. According to Catholic Care of the Aged (CCA) Residential Care Manager, Ms Sue Oakey, “as our population ages the incidence of dementia will increase; hence the real need for organisations like CCA to ensure that we are poised to care for these people in the future”.

To meet the needs of people suffering from dementia, Catholic Care of the Aged is currently building 20 new beds and undertaking some renovations at its Nazareth Village, Belmont North and St Francis Village, Eleebana.

CCA has been working with local firm Suters Architects to ensure that the ‘special care units’ are designed to best meet the complex needs of residents with dementia.

“We will employ staff in these units who are or will become specialists in dementia care,” says Ms Oakey. “These staff will be extremely flexible and unflappable. They will work specifically in the units but may be rostered into other parts of the facility if and when required. This will mean they become very familiar to the residents and their needs. They will encourage residents to be as independent as possible, ensuring they have meaningful activities so as to enhance residents’ dignity and sense of self.”

A special afternoon tea will be held at Nazareth Village this week (Wednesday 24th September @ 2:30 pm) to acknowledge the many volunteers and donors who have raised vital funds for the construction of the ‘special care units’.

Mr Joseph McCarthy, recently appointed CEO for Catholic Care of the Aged will thank personally the donors and volunteers. Mr McCarthy explains: “while CCA receives Commonwealth funding toward the care of the residents, it has had to provide all funding for the building of the units prior to receiving Accommodation Bonds from those residents who are financially able to contribute upon admission to the special care units.”

“We have worked with many wonderful individuals and organisations who are making this venture possible through enormous fundraising efforts and generous donations”, said Mr McCarthy.

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions.

WHEN?
Wednesday 24th September 2003 @ 2:30 pm

WHERE?
Nazareth Village, Vincent Street Belmont North

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