Caring for a loved one who has dementia can be stressful and overwhelming. The COPE program offered by AQ Health aims to make life easier for everyone.

COPE (Care Of People with dementia in their Environments) is an occupational therapy and nursing program for people living with dementia and their families. It’s a practical, evidence-based program which helps the person with dementia manage their day-to-day activities and assists the carer to help support their family member.

Occupational therapist Sarah said the focus of the program was education.

“The emphasis is on education to adjust to the level of support needed as the disease progresses, and to help deal with common challenges associated with dementia,” she said.

“We can help with the ideal environmental set up, what are some of the distractions that are a challenge for the person with dementia, and how to best support them and their carer.

“It’s really about knowing the why behind the challenging behaviours.”

Madison, also an AQ Health occupational therapist, said the COPE program starts with a cognitive screening.

“We need to see what functional and cognitive level the client with dementia is at, and what the carer needs in the way of support and guidance,” she said.

“It’s also about communication, and how carers can best communicate with their loved one. Carer may be feeling burnt out, they’re trying to understand what is happening, so COPE includes education about the disease itself, in addition to the practical support we offer.”

The program involves multiple sessions over a period of three to four months, and includes:

• A comprehensive assessment identifying capabilities and challenges.
• Activities and strategies for the person with dementia to promote independence and overcome challenges.
• Carer education about dementia and preserved capabilities of the individual with the disease.
• Support for family wellbeing including stress management techniques.

“The program is designed to provide up to four prescriptions – so that might be two activities and two other things, that focus on whatever the challenging behaviour is,” Madison said.

“For example, the person with dementia might be resisting getting in the shower, so we work on that.

“Usually seeing an OT is a one off, but with this program we’re able to offer more support and help the carer apply what they’ve learnt and see whether the changes were successful or not.
“We do see an increase in confidence in the carer and that’s what we aim for – to help them be confident in the support they are providing.”

COPE provides guidance as to what types of cues or prompts a person with dementia might need to complete a task. It aims to reduce carer stress, support independence, and create a home environment that is supportive for their needs.

Sarah added one of the benefits of COPE was helping people to stay in their own home for as long as possible.

“When people are at home, they feel settled and happy,” she said.

“Learning about a new environment for someone with dementia can be very challenging.

“Obviously, it gets to a point where staying home may no longer be possible, but COPE is available to help carers for as long as we possibly can.”

To find out more about AQ Health’s COPE Program email aqhealth@alzqld.org.au or call 1800 692 743.