`dementia expert' to journey with them from
the time of diagnosis, or on application for a
Community Service.
families living with dementia in the North
Metropolitan area of Perth. The McCusker
Nurse service is designed to empower the
family carer to help them avoid reaching
`crisis point' as they navigate the Aged
Care and dementia industry, alleviating the
confusion to enable their loved one to live
safe and happy at home for as long as is
practicable,
family carer,
detail how the McCusker Nurse networks
which agencies to facilitate and link carers
in a timely manner with appropriate
medical, community, education and social
support without duplicating an existing
service,
OF tHE illNEss.
Stirling, Martin Morrissey
Tasmanian Dementia Behaviour Management
and Advisory Service (DBMAS), Older Persons
Mental Health Service (OPMHS) and Innovative
Tasmania (IM/NPACT) and the University of
Tasmania - School of Nursing & Midwifery
which illuminates the dementia journey for
all involved. This presentation discusses the
development of the innovative Tasmanian
Dementia Behaviour and Management
Advisory Service (DBMAS) and Nurse-Led
Memory Clinic.
leaves the patient and their families anxious
and stressed as they endeavour to cope with
the changes that occur. Confusion and concern
minimise their ability to adjust effectively to
these changes, leading to a reduced quality of
life for both the client and their family (Gaugler,
J. et. al. 2009: Flicker, L. 2008: Vernooij-
Dassen. M. et. al., 2005).
and their families affected by neurocognitive
degenerative illnesses, predominantly
Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Support
is provided from emergence of the first
early symptoms to end stage care and
includes diagnosis, non-pharmacological
and pharmacological support, education and
management advice.
Social Workers, a Nurse Practitioner, and
Registered Nurses in a collaborative model
that provides timely assessments, education,
social supports and interventions. A unique
Nurse-Led Memory Clinic accepts self-referrals
providing an alternative point of entry to the
health system for people with concerns about
their cognition. The Tasmania DBMAS has
combined with the Mental Health Service to
collaborate with Acute Care Services to provide
the `best fit' of both health environments and
health professionals for the client.