Learn more about how dementia rehabilitation helped Anna stay socially, mentally and physically active.

Anna’s story

Anna’s GP asked Anna what matters to her. Anna identified cooking and maintaining her veggie garden as things she loved and wanted to continue to do. Her GP rang My Aged Care to make a referral to allied health.

• An occupational therapist with experience in dementia came to Anna’s home to help her with strategies and environmental modifications to optimise cooking and maintaining her veggie patch.
• After gaining confidence, Anna mentioned she would like to get back to playing bowls. A speech pathologist helped Anna work on strategies to remember people’s names. With Anna’s permission, the speech pathologist provided members of the bowls club with communication training.
• The community physiotherapist helped Anna with exercises for her knee arthritis and provided her with a bowls specific stick to take the load off her knee when playing.
• Lawn mowing and shopping assistance through My Aged Care made it easier for Anna to continue gardening and cooking.

Anna’s mood and frustration improved as her physical and social activity increased.

Dementia rehabilitation program

Delivered by Encara, the in-home Dementia Rehabilitation Program aims to improve access to allied health-led rehabilitation activities to support independence and wellbeing. Led by a team of Allied Health Professionals, the program combines therapeutic interventions, education, and personalised care, integrating allied health with aromatherapy, art therapy and music therapy.

How to make a referral

People aged 65+ years old living with dementia in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, City of Casey, Frankston, City of Greater Dandenong and Kingston are eligible for the Dementia Rehabilitation Program.

To find out more, or make a referral, visit Encara's website.

If you have an enquiry about the program please email dementia@encara.com.au.