Staying at Home

A carer wellbeing and respite program helping people who live with dementia to stay at home longer.

Program Overview

Staying at Home is a free carer wellbeing and respite program for people living with dementia and their carers. It is designed to empower and upskill carers to support a person living with dementia to remain at home for as long as possible.

Everyone wants to live at home for as long as they can. Home is a place of familiarity, a place of joy and comfort.

Experience respite together in a supportive environment

 

With a strong focus on wellbeing and self-care, carers will be equipped to navigate the complexities and challenges of supporting a person living with dementia. As part of the program, the person living with dementia is offered an introduction to respite and receives tailored, individual support to continue meaningful and enjoyable activities for longer.

Designed as an overnight retreat (over three days and two nights), you will join other carers and people living with dementia in a supportive peer environment. The program allows you to be introduced to respite together, so you both feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.

Eligibility criteria

 
  • A dementia diagnosis, or in the process of obtaining a diagnosis

  • Moderately independent with daily activities

  • Have a relative, partner or close friend supporting the person with dementia to remain living at home for as long as possible

  • Both the person living with dementia and their carer wish to attend the Retreat

Why attend the program?

 

Being a carer for someone you love can sometimes be challenging and isolating. Staying at Home creates opportunities for you to meet others who are going through the same experiences in a supportive environment, and for carers to know they are not alone.

The program provides access to tailored support, education and practical suggestions from experienced staff, to help you support people living with dementia to stay at home.

Topics include:

  • Exploring the impact of a dementia diagnosis

  • Planning and preparing for respite

  • Accessing community care supports and services

  • Self-care

  • Planning for the future

  • Navigating behaviour changes associated with dementia

  • Meaningful engagement and activity modification

  • Navigating physical changes associated with dementia including mobility, continence, and communication

  • Environmental impacts

Staying at Home is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund.

Next available dates

  • McLaren Vale | 26 - 28 November 2024

  • Glenelg | 26 - 28 November 2024

  • Port Elliot | 3 - 6 December 2024

  • Robe | 10 - 12 December 2024

  • Port Willunga | 10 - 12 December 2024

If you are interested in attending a retreat, please register your interest by filling out the form below.

How do people access a retreat?

Clients and carers can self-refer or a loved one may wish to enquire on another’s behalf (with permission). For information about the retreats email SAHP@unitingcommunities.org or phone 8202 5800.

Or register interest by completing the online form below.

Here are some frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from My Aged Care to participate?
Is there a cost to attend a Retreat?
Is there an assessment process?
What will we be doing at the Retreat?
Who can attend a Retreat?
I am a carer but I don’t live with my loved one, are we eligible?
There is not a retreat listed in my area or on a date that I am able to attend. How do I participate?
Natalie, family carer

"The retreat gave me the opportunity to spend some quality time with my father and better understand his needs. The information has given me the confidence to care for my father well and in my abilities as a carer."

Register your interest

Contact Information
Staying at Home program