Page 1905 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 16 June 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
At the moment, Madam Speaker, it is safe to say that the majority of sufferers are cared for in private homes, by family, mainly, or, in some cases, by friends. As the dementia worsens, the need for that care increases and quickly becomes 24-hour. In those cases, where the care is given at home, the strain on the carer is enormous. In many cases where a carer in the home is the primary source of care for the sufferer it is physically tiring for the carer, and because he or she is usually a family member or close friend it is emotionally draining. The emotional and physical health of carers ultimately suffers. Dementia is affecting families at an alarming and ever-increasing rate. The cost to the individual is devastating.
Despite continuing research and increasing knowledge, we still do not fully understand why it occurs, and we do not know how to treat it effectively. We have only just started to learn how to care for the sufferer. I have said that dementia is affecting families, because we must understand the trauma this illness brings to the families of those sufferers, the effect it brings to so many lives. There is a social cost that must be acknowledged. Madam Speaker, I have previously said that dementia is an insidious disorder. It can take a long time to become apparent, but it can also move rapidly. The sufferers may still look well in themselves, at least while they are able to remember to care for themselves or they have someone to attend to their personal care.
The Carers Association of the ACT, part of the Carers Association of Australia, offers invaluable assistance and support to those carers, wherever possible. This organisation achieves a great deal and is a terrific service for the many carers in our community. I know that we all applaud the dedication and work of those Carers Association members. But, Madam Speaker, with other family members to attend to as well - children, spouses, other older parents - the carer is at very high risk of ill-health or physical ill effect due to the demands of the job. When things get really tough the carer may be lucky and get access to a respite bed for a few days or weeks, where the sufferer can be placed in care. Access to respite care in this way is essential. However, not only can this disorient the sufferer, but also, after the rest, the carer role has to be resumed. What options does the family or the carer have if the illness has progressed severely or the carer's health has suffered so badly that a return to the home is considered unwise? At the moment, Madam Speaker, severely limited options are faced.
Of course, some people or families choose to keep their family member at home. If this path is chosen, all possible support must be made available, whenever needed, so that carers are able to care for the sufferer in an effective, safe and happy environment. On the other hand, some carers may not be in the position of choosing that option and institutional care may be the only way open. What does this currently mean? Some dementia sufferers are accepted into hostels, in many instances quite successfully; but this option may remain only while the level of dementia is moderate and remains static. Other non-demented hostel occupants can find it very difficult to cope with the needs and demands of the dementia sufferer. Also, the staffing and funding formula is inadequate to provide the level of care needed by these people. The issue of accommodating these people in hostels is, in fact, questioned by many. Madam Speaker, some dementia sufferers are accepted into nursing homes. These facilities are not built or run with dementia needs in mind, and, although providing some badly needed assistance, are not considered entirely the appropriate place of care either.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .