A FRIENDLY voice, a helping hand and the personal touch.
These are the things that the Goldfields Mobile Dementia Regional Team prides themselves on – and are working hard to maintain.
The dynamic duo consists of Coordinator Rae Bransgrove and assistant Emma Preston, who are based in the office at Lotteries House.
Having recently assumed the role, following the retirement of former coordinator Muriel Hill, Mrs Bransgrove has been busy settling in and continuing the team's good work.
With Mrs Preston now by her side, their efforts to “care for the carers” are going from strength to strength.
“Essentially our role is to ensure that carers of people with dementia also get a break,” Mrs Bransgrove said.
“It can be a tiring, thankless task and very draining emotionally and physically.”
Through the Alzheimers Association of WA, the Goldfields Mobile Dementia Regional Team (GMDRT) aims to provide education, support and respite to carers and people living with dementia.
The team also assists families in accessing community-based respite services.
“We're always available from 8am to 5pm by phone, or in person,” Mrs Bransgrove said.
“Both Emma and I enjoy networking with other agencies and organisations such as the Little Sisters of the Poor, Silver Chain, Amana Living, Eastern Goldfields Community Centre, GIFSA and the like.”
Services are funded by the Commonwealth National respite for Carers Program and the Home and Community Care Program. Home visits ensure that any care-needs or issues are identified sooner, rather than later.
Local programs are also proving popular.
“Our 'Home Club' is a group of women with dementia who get together regularly for lunch and activities,” she said.
“This gives their carers a decent break for a few hours.
“We also have programs such as 'Mind your Mind' and support for the issue of younger onset dementia.”
With a great combination of knowledge and experience, the team are keen to spread the word and let people know they are available to help.
To this end, they are holding an Open Day on Friday, August 15 from 10am to 2pm..
“This will allow us to explain what we do, why we are here and how we can help,” Mrs Bransgrove said.
“In a friendly atmosphere over a cuppa or a sausage sizzle, we can chat about all those things.
“A Centrelink representative will also be on hand between 12 noon and 1pm to discuss carer entitlements and payments.”
Also on the calendar is Alzheimer's Week from September 19 to 26, with plans in hand for a special 'Memory Cafe' event t the EGCC based on the Race Round theme.
“We have lots of ideas!” Mrs Bransgrove said.
“We're both passionate about what we do, we love living in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and we're here to help.”
The Goldfields Mobile Dementia Regional Team is facilitate by Alzehimer's Australia WA Ltd. The team is based in Lotteries House at the corner of Wilson and MacDonald Streets and they can be contacted on 9091 1644.
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