HIGH PRAISE FOR GROUND-BREAKING DEMENTIA CARE RESOURCES

A new set of free educational resources, designed to enhance the way those living with dementia in Aotearoa New Zealand are cared for, has been welcomed with open arms by carers since being launched in early September.

Created by the New Zealand Dementia Foundation, thanks to a substantial grant from the CHT Aged Care Fund, the Dementia STARs (Short Trainings in Awareness and Responsiveness) educational resource kits have already been downloaded hundreds of times.

Designed to benefit the dementia care workforce including medical, nursing, support workers and educators, the eight Dementia STARs modules are built on expert research and sound educational principles.

Each module introduces a person-centred approach to care spanning bathing, senses, pain management, falls, delirium, eating well, hydration and continence. The resources give flexibility in delivery with a facilitator’s kit, pitched to be relatable for carers of all backgrounds, with a mix of practical examples and ideas, to encourage the exchange of experiences and creative responses.

Dr Susan Gee, New Zealand Dementia Foundation Sector Liaison Officer and Dementia STARs webinar host, says the feedback received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We have been thrilled with the way that Dementia STARs has been embraced by carers,” says Dr Gee. “It is estimated that at least 50% of people living in aged residential care settings have some form of dementia, so ensuring access to this kind of information is essential for the long-term wellbeing of our older people.”

As a charitable trust in the residential aged care sector, with a focus on purpose rather than profit, CHT Healthcare Trust established the Aged Care Fund in 2019 to finance initiatives across research into the needs of older people, access to care and workforce development.

Carriann Hall, Chief Executive at CHT Healthcare Trust says that seeing the Dementia STARs project launching so successfully signals a promising new era in caring for those living with dementia.

“Enabling carers to have access to expert knowledge will go a long way towards supporting the wellbeing of our older people,” says Ms Hall. “Our own Unit Managers are already echoing the positive sentiments around the innovative and userfriendly nature of the modules.”

Applications for the 2022 CHT Aged Care Fund grant close on 31 October 2022. Find out more at http://www.cht.co.nz/agedcarefund