Cheryl tells us her story about using services to help support her husband, who has dementia, at home…
I joined the local carers support group, so I know that’s there if I need it. I also joined Dementia Australia so I can ring the dementia helpline service if I want to talk over something.
We had Kevin assessed via My Aged Care and he has a Level 3AH care package. I manage the package myself, but I can also speak to a care manager if needed.
While it has some faults, the care package has enabled me to keep Kevin at home under my care. We have a regular support worker for Kevin who comes for 4 hours every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. He’s very obliging and helpful and he and Kevin get along so well. I’m extremely grateful for that and I’m glad Kevin understands that I need help.
I have severe spinal stenosis, so I’m not that mobile myself, but I now have domestic support 2.5 hours per week, and I also have the support of two wonderful daughters, one who lives locally.
There is help out there, but you have to ask. Make sure the person you care for is assessed by My Aged Care and gets the right level care package, so they can get the support they need to stay at home.
Managing changes
For more strategies and steps you can take to keep living successfully at home click to read this page: 3.17 Use services to support living at home.
Looking after yourself
As a carer, you will need support yourself and to look after yourself. Read these pages:
