COTA SA: Let’s Talk Aged Care

MARGARET* lives in regional South Australia and called COTA SA as she had heard about its Let’s Talk Aged Care service.

Margaret was struggling to get the help she needed with supporting her husband Harry*.

Harry lives with dementia, but has previously refused services and Margaret is becoming fatigued due to the ongoing care she provides.

She has found Harry’s moods have become very erratic, he is refusing to shower, and life was becoming increasingly difficult.

COTA SA’s Ageing Well Coordinator [Country] John Moran took Margaret’s call.

John discovered Harry was on medication, but he had not had a review for more than 18 months, and so suggested Margaret speak to Harry’s GP about an immediate review.

After considerable discussion on the many challenges Margaret faces, several priorities surfaced. These included Margaret contacting Dementia Australia’s Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service to gain tips on managing Harry’s behaviour.

John also discussed the issue of the limited external support they were receiving.

Harry was put on a low-level package several years ago, so John suggested Margaret contact My Aged Care to get a new assessment. A higher-level package would enable Harry to access more hours of support.

Harry was linked to an aged care provider but the times he could access care, were limited and spread throughout the week.

John suggested Margaret alter the rostered days of support Harry receives to less days but bigger blocks of time to reduce the workers travel to and from their home.

Margaret was left with more confidence to address the most pressing issues and had the right information to access more support for Harry.

To find out how COTA SA can help you, visit https://cotasa.org.au/ or call 8232 0422 or free call 1800 182 324.