The Ipswich Multi Service Centre has thrown a lifeline to the West Moreton community today (Tuesday, March 22) by inviting all working primary carers to register for fee-free access to their ‘Working Carer’s Program’ up until June 30, 2022.
Run by Alzheimer’s Queensland, the Working Carer’s Program provides high quality, safe, and effective services to meet the needs of both the older, more vulnerable members of the community, and their working primary carer’s.
Those juggling work, volunteer, or study-related commitments with their primary caring role are invited to register today, by calling 1800 639 331 or emailing carersupport@alzqld.org.au.
“If you are a working carer wishing to share the care for a loved one in need, or if your caring role is starting to impact your mental health and wellbeing, then please reach out today,” urged Alzheimer’s Queensland State Manager, Amy Prasad.
“Concerningly, neglecting your own needs can compromise your ability to care,” said Ms Prasad.
“In order to increase the flood-devastated West Moreton community’s access to our services, and to provide return-to-work support post- COVID to the local working carer’s community, we have chosen to provide complimentary access to our Working Carer’s Program for all eligible participants, effectively immediately,” Ms Prasad said.
The Working Carer’s Program offers:
• Day respite – centre-based, structured group activities in a community setting spread across two beautiful, Queenslander-style cottages, designed to develop, maintain, or support a person with independent living and social interaction;
• Small group social outings; and
• In-home support services for the carer – preparing a person to attend day respite, and/or transporting the person to and from the centre, and settling the person after returning home.
Those who qualify for fee-free access to the Program include:
• Women and men of any age with either a medical diagnosis, or suspected memory loss (dementia), and/or a *neurodegenerative condition;
• **West Moreton residents;
• A carer who is working, volunteering or studying.
“Our Ipswich Multi Service Centre comprises two beautiful, Queenslander-style cottages through which we offer day respite, overnight cottage respite, in-home respite, transport, and carer education and support sessions.
“All of our staff are COVID-19 vaccinated, and trained in infection control measures, with skills to assist your loved one.
Open 24/7, the Ipswich Multi Service Centre is located at 85 Chermside Road, Ipswich.
Practicing Physiotherapist and Manager of the Alzheimer’s Queensland Allied Health Department, Sarah Donovan, is charged with supporting clients, families, and staff in the delivery of allied health services in West Moreton.
“My department works closely with the Ipswich Multi Service Centre to provide a range of personalised allied health services both within our centre, and in the comfort of a person’s home.
“We offer Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology and Occupational Therapy designed to improve the balance, strength, and function of older adults. Our allied health professionals run both individual and group classes specifically tailored to a person’s needs, level and goals,” said Ms Donovan.
“Our input often plays an essential role in a person’s ability to continue to live safely within their own home, and to enjoy their hobbies.”
Fruit farmer, father-to-four, and grandfather-to-five, Ken, 69, Ipswich, has been married to the love of his life, Kathleen, 70, for the past 44 years. In March 2018 however, their world was turned upside down when Kathleen was diagnosed with dementia. Ken was subsequently thrust into the role of Kathleen’s carer – an emotionally, physically, and financially challenging task – as he watched dementia cruelly, and progressively rob Kathleen of her autonomy.
Two-and-a-half years ago Ken turned to the Ipswich Multi Service Centre’s Working Carer’s Program to place Kathleen in the hands of full-time, professional, personalised care, thereby enabling him to continue to provide for his family. The service has allowed Ken to continue to work on his fruit farm throughout the day, and provide care for Kathleen at night, and on the weekends. In addition, the service has assisted Ken to maintain his mental health and wellbeing, and to prevent Kathleen’s premature admission to a hospital, or residential aged care facility.
“There has never been an occasion where Kathleen has indicated that she does not want to go to the centre. She waits for the carers to arrive each morning to take her,” Ken said.
“Alzheimer’s Queensland has perfected a process of care that keeps Kathleen happy and satisfied. It’s a first-class service.”
Similarly, when the Uncle of Community Support Coordinator, Nicole, 50, Ipswich, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Nicole invited him to move in with her, and her Dad, to offer him love and care. Over time however, her Uncle Dudley’s disease progressed to such an extent, that he now requires support with showering, walking, eating, and getting in and out of bed.
For the past two years, Nicole and her family have been utilising Queensland Health funding to meet the ongoing care needs for Uncle Dudley, now aged 96, via the Ipswich Multi Service Centre’s Working Carer’s Program.
“The Working Carer’s Program has absolutely changed my life. I don’t know where I would be, or what options I would be facing, had I been unable to access the Program,” said Nicole.
“The Program has allowed Uncle Dudley to continue to live with Dad and I, in the comfort of home.
“My life is totally dependent on respite carers. Without their help, I would be unable to attend work, which is extremely important to me,” Nicole said.
Those interested in registering for complimentary access to the Ipswich Multi Service Centre’s Working Carer’s Program in West Moreton up until June 30, 2022, should contact: 1800 639 331 or carersupport@alzqld.org.au.
*Neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; Spinal muscular atrophy; Lewy body disease; Huntington’s disease; Friedreich ataxia, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
**Located inland from the Brisbane metropolitan area and the Gold Coast, and to the east of the Darling Downs, much of the West Moreton region lies in the Great Dividing Range. West Moreton includes the City of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, and Somerset regions.
