will require significant paradigm shifts, not the
least of which is to see people with dementia as
`people with disabilities' capable of protecting
and enforcing their rights. The ageing of the
rights-oriented baby-boomer generation will
mean that residents of Aged Care facilities are
likely to be more demanding and less accepting
of authority than previous generations.
authority for these practices, but is that
administratively sustainable?
risk for persons with dementia and possible
legal responses to the current conundrum,
including the recommendations arising from the
Victorian Law Reform Commission report into
Guardianship.
St Carthage's Community Care
Carthage's Community Care (a community care
organisation) continues on our "Edenising"
journey.
10 Eden Principles and the concept behind
implementing the "Eden Alternative".
Incorporating animals, plants and children to
reduce the "three plagues" of loneliness,
helplessness and boredom providing people the
opportunity to have a meaningful life.
(volunteers, direct care staff, middle
management, senior management and Board
the three day Eden Associate training.
inspiration, we wanted to find an innovative
and inspiring way to do this while working with
people already living in the community, in their
own homes.
based day respite services for frail older people
and people with dementia) because we knew
we could provide close and continuing contact
with animals, plants and children.
with Daisy the dog, a local childcare centre
and students from a local primary school. We
created a "human habitat" that we can all be
proud of. However, we soon learnt that the
Eden Alternative is more than just flowers, fur,
feathers, fins and families.
and troughs, tears of joy and sadness but we
realise the journey we have embarked on is
central to our collective pursuit of happiness
and well-being for St Carthage's staff,
volunteers and the people we support in the
community.
bENEFits OF EaRly iNtERvENtiON
Alzheimer's Australia SA
estimate that there are approximately 23,900
people under 65 currently living with dementia
in Australia. Service providers often find it
difficult to respond to the specific practical and
emotional needs of this group.