Media Centre

Supporting the elderly to stay in their own home

Publish Date: 21/09/2009
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

In late June, Baptcare was allocated a further 43 in-home support packages through the Commonwealth funded Aged Care Approvals Round. These packages will provide local elderly people, who have complex needs, with access to extra support, enabling them to remain in their own home longer.

For many individuals, an in-home support package is about more than receiving additional support with day-to-day tasks. For some, the package is a lifeline.

Meet June Taysom, wife, carer and soul mate to husband Cliff.

A few years ago, life for the duo became a challenge as Cliff’s memory began to fade.

“I noticed that Cliff was beginning to lose his memory when he started forgetting the names of people he knew. Life was also becoming increasing difficult when he started doing things out of character,” said June.

June soon found out that Cliff’s memory loss was a result of minor Vascular Dementia and other complications. As Cliff’s memory continued to fade, it became evident that he needed additional support.

In April 2009, Cliff was granted an Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACH D) package through Baptcare and since then, life for Cliff and June has improved.

“The support from Baptcare has been amazing.

“The package has helped with some of the tasks that Cliff took care of before the memory loss, such as maintaining the garden.”

Cliff also started using special memory patches, which enabled parts of his memory to return.

“Because of the memory patches and Baptcare, I feel like I’ve got my husband back,” said June.

Although life is different for the pair, the good times as well as Cliff’s smile, have returned.

“Thank heavens for the extra support…everyone is happier all round,” said June.