An uplifting dementia story…This should be the future of aged and dementia care in Australia.
Rose Sevitt's husband Lex (Alex) was a practising psychologist up until 6 years ago. Lex specialised in helping children with ADD. Suddenly Lex started to forget where he parked his car and he had to give up driving.
He soon forgot how to count backward, and he could not remember things. Rose remembers the decline as slow, but it was happening. She realised that he could not be left home alone and hired the help of a full-time carer whilst she worked. Lex battled with the stairs and the family had to look into full-time care options. This led them to a nursing home which Rose calls an 'institution.'
Rose and Alex's two children believe that Alex would be dead if he were still at the nursing home where he was prior to moving into one of the Group Homes Australia's homes. Rose and her children are incredibly grateful.
Rose says: "The care is wonderful. It is a pleasure to walk into the home. It smells and looks beautiful. The residents are well loved and cared for by the homemakers. They take them on a bus for amazing outings, to the beach, barbeques, museums, Vaucluse house and meals."
Rose visits every night at meal times to help feed Lex as his hands shake.
Rose adds: "The food itself is fabulous, placemats are set at the table, the table is set beautifully. Nothing is spared. Great quality, excellent cooked meals are given to the residents. I know that if for some reason, I cannot go that the carers will give Lex the attention he needs."
Rose remembers that meal times at the previous aged care institution were like a mad asylum. She was worried about hygiene and would not even drink a coffee there. At Group Homes Australia, family members are offered drinks and meals. Rose knows that it's so clean and she is happy to share a meal or drink with her husband.
Rose used to feel depressed every time she visited Lex at the previous aged care home. Rose states: "The previous aged care home was an institution with 100 people who were institutionalised. It's a very bad environment. People go quickly that way."
"Lex has six other residents in the home with him. They are made to feel that they are in their own home. They can water the plants, bake… they can set their own routines. I cannot get over the display of love."
"My children say to me:' Mum, we don't know how you got him in there, but you have made all of our lives great as we know he is looked after and loved'."
Rose's son visits every Wednesday and plays guitar and sings with the residents.
Rose exclaims: "That place becomes alive. A 94-year-old resident dances to the music. The minute the music plats the residents get up and dance."
- 38 Hits
- Since 03-06-19
- Posted by Eastern Suburbs Life
- Vaucluse
Details
- Key Words: dementia, aged care, Group Homes, australia, sydney, Vaucluse, health, wellbeing
Related ads
THE VIEW OF VAUCLUSE
Based in Sydney's Eastern suburbs, The View of Vaucluse is home to a friendly, energetic team of hair professionals who pride themselves on client satisfaction. Positioned in picturesque Vaucluse, on the corner where Old South Head Road meets New South… Vaucluse
Four year old prodigy
Social anxiety and depression have become common among young children. Research in this domain is still at its infancy, schools are experimenting different things to combat such epidemic. However, a small local tuition provider in Vaucluse claims that… Vaucluse
Have a coffee with Flourish HR
This is an interesting approach to recruitment screening! To discuss your career as an individual after a break or transition to a new industry, Flourish HR can coaching you through this process and even upgrade your CV. Coffee as an introduction to see… Bayside Area*
The Truth about What Alcohol Does to Your Body
Alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient that is present in wine, beer, and spirits. It is a depressant, which means that when it reaches the brain, it slows down the body's systems. It can also be difficult for the body to process, putting extra pressure… Eastern Suburbs Area
How do you know that it's time to seek relationship counselling?
We live in a pretty stressful world today, that makes it more challenging to maintain a healthy, loving relationship. While no relationship is perfect and couples can expect to have their fair share of conflicts, however it's how you resolve conflicts… Eastern Suburbs Area
Planning to renovate your semi? Keep your neighbours on side with these valuable tips
Second storey additions are a great option to give your semi-detached residence the extra space your family needs. But, with your “common wall” neighbour living so close, you will want to help make the process a harmonious one for you and them. Here are… Eastern Suburbs Area
Mobiles & Multi Tasking
Effective multitasking is a skill that can to be learned. Not everyone can master it :-) Take a look at this entertaining video and see if you can spot the common mistake that many people make! Bondi Area*
ATTENTION SYDNEY RETAILERS -- SPRUIKER TO BOOST CUSTOMER TRAFFIC + PROFITS
Tony Maguire is one of the best and most experienced spruikers in Sydney. “Spruiking is a very effective way of communicating some urgency and excitement about what might otherwise be just another sale,” says Eastern Suburbs-based Tony. “With increasing… Eastern Suburbs Area
Welcome to Winter and Bondi Winter Magic 2019
It’s good to see the annual arrival of ice skating back at Bondi Beach. It reminds us that the shortest day of the year is just weeks away and that we’ll soon be back on the journey to warmer weather and longer days. For those who love precision the… Eastern Suburbs Area
Top Hangover Cures
Ever wanted to prevent having a hangover? These tips will help take the edge off when you've overdone it. 1. Drinking water with H24 Hydrate Hydration can reduce dehydration and the resulting headaches and dizziness. Mix one serving of H24 hydrate with… Eastern Suburbs Area
Need An Electrician? - Call 1300 911 307
Captain Cook Electrical is a family owned business, with a select team of electricians helping homeowners take care of their electrical maintenance throughout the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Northern Beaches and Hills District. One might think our… Eastern Suburbs Area
How to let go of your perfectionism and be a Parent
My daughter had her Birthday yesterday and the pressure from her and that I had self imposed on making it the perfect day for her was to say the least a bit OTT! It was certainly not a perfect day but worked out to be fun and memorable and she felt loved… Eastern Suburbs Area