He can get upset, physically aggressive, threatening, agitated and shouts at others. He suffers from depression and when he is upset, he raises his fists and can be verbally abusive towards mecwacare staff.
At the same time when Peter is happy, he loves hugging people, he eats his food and remains healthy and engaged. He loves nothing more than being in our new therapy chair – this is when he is at his happiest. He now uses the chair daily which is proven to be a clinical intervention method to help manage his range of conditions.
Did you know that more than 400,000 Australians are affected with dementia?
More than two-thirds of aged care residents have a moderate to severe cognitive impairment.
Dementia and the resulting impairment it creates leads to a progressive decline in a person’s ability to function. It leads to people losing their memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
mecwacare has been caring with people with dementia for more than 40 years within our residential aged care facilities and we are always trying to improve how we care for people who are suffering.
So what is a therapy chair and how can they help?
Fully-automated therapy chairs combine music, tactile stimulation and rocking motion to offer a unique and calming multi-sensory experience.
Rocking is one of the most natural and innate aspects of human behaviour which irrespective of age and cognitive ability soothes and reassures users. The chairs help people relax through soothing music and tactile stimulation and have a beneficial effect on their well-being, mental health and quality of life.
Pre-set rocking programmes combine smooth, quiet motion and soothing music with tactile stimulation to promote physical and mental relaxation and refreshment, depending on the needs of the resident. Each setting is also easily customisable with just the touch of a button. Comfort blankets are then added provide a feeling of warmth and comfort whilst being seated in the chair.
What can you do to help?
mecwacare has partnered with a global supplier of medical devices to improve the quality of life for people with reduced mobility and the sufferers of dementia.
We are trying to install fully automated therapy chairs in all our residential aged care facilities which provide music, tactile stimulation and a rocking motion and a unique and calming multi-sensory experience to all our residents who are suffering.
But we need your help… each of these chairs cost more than $17,000 to purchase and install, and as a non-for-profit residential aged care provider we cannot fund these on our own.
How you can help today?
Giving a tax deductable donation to us today will help us with the purchase of wellness chairs across our residential aged care sites in Malvern, Caulfield North and Glen Iris. Every dollar you donate goes towards the purchase of a Wellness Nordic Relax Chair which costs more than $17,000.
Together, we can continue our care for all those in need
mecwacare is leading the way in providing care in the residential care sector.
As a leading aged care provider with reputation for excellence, it is only with the support of donors such as you that can continue to help people to live a comfortable and rewarding life as they get older. We thank you for your continued support.
*Peter’s name has been changed to protect his identity
To make a donation call 1800 163 292
