By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
AFTER a successful trial of companion therapy on a grieving resident with dementia, a team of Berwick aged care workers have been nationally recognised for their efforts.
The companion therapy team at Bupa Berwick Aged Care are finalists in this year’s national HESTA Aged Care Awards in the team innovation category.
Up against four other finalists, the awards recognise aged care providers who make an exceptional contribution to their residents’ quality of life.
Bupa Berwick’s Care Manager, Ling Pang said a resident living with dementia began exhibiting signs of grief and loss after his companion died and since the therapy had improved considerably.
“The resident’s anxiety and distress has reduced and his emotional needs are fulfilled because he feels useful and is experiencing companionship again,” Ms Pang explained.
Under close supervision with a general practitioner, care manager, team leader, carers and support staff the therapy brought out the residents joy of talking and laughing again.
“In addition to addressing the clinical needs of the resident the team also considered how they could address his emotional needs,” she said.
The winners will be announced in Canberra at the HESTA Aged Care Awards dinner on Thursday 27 August and the team innovation category winner will receive a $10,000 development grant.
