Respite care allows children caring for a parent with dementia to continue to work

Working Carers Support allows those caring for a parent with dementia, to continue to work.

Respite care can provide people living with dementia important opportunities for social interaction and physical activity, and gives those dedicated to looking after those they love a break from their caring role.

Anglicare Southern Queensland has extended our hours of support, from 6am – 6pm giving carers extra help to work, study or volunteer knowing their loved one is well looked after.
Andrea and Marie are sisters with busy careers as health professionals as well as caring for their Mum, Claire who has dementia.

Andrea describes her mum as an independent, very organised and capable lady who in her younger years supported their Dad in their landscape supply business. “Mum drove small tip trucks, assisted customers, scheduled deliveries and was the secretary of the local country hospital auxiliary”.

Claire came to live with her two daughters three years ago after her husband passed away.

The sisters are able to juggle busy work schedules and caring for their mum with the dedicated help of Anglicare staff at the Day Respite Centre. The extended hours of 6am – 6pm means Andrea can drop Claire off to respite and get her settled in and Marie is able to pick her up on her way home from work.

“Mum has come out of herself so much since attending respite [at Anglicare]. We cannot believe the difference, Mum is so much happier, it is like a home away from home with all the comforts.”

Kerry is the Diversional Therapist at Anglicare Southern Queensland and her programs are tailored to each client’s specific needs. Claire did her nursing training in country Victoria and Kerry googled photos from around that time so that she and Claire can talk about her happy memories of her nursing days.

“The Anglicare staff are very considerate of mum’s needs and understands her situation and ours which makes all the difference.”

“Both my sister and I can rest knowing mum is so well looked after. She enjoys the socialising and is happy there.”

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia or a neurodegenerative condition you may be eligible for Extended Hours Carer Support.

We’re here to support you, and the person you care for to live the life you want.

If you would like more information on our respite care services or would like to have a chat about how we can support you, please give us a call on 1300 610 610 or visit anglicaresq.org.au/dementiarespite

We’re ready to work with you.