Alzheimer's Qld offering fee-free services throughout spring

Alzheimer’s Queensland (AQ) is offering South East Queensland residents fee-free access to aged care services until 30 November 2022.

The organisation provides support to aging residents in the community, as well as those living with dementia. Designed for local residents aged 65 and over, and their carers, the services include: 24/7 flexible respite; tailored social support, such as shopping or practical assistance; and group social activities, including participation in community functions and local clubs.

According to AQ State Manager Amy Prasad, “One in six Australians are aged over 65 years, around 1.3 million of whom are still living at home, and require some assistance with daily activities.¹

“We are therefore encouraging Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba residents aged 65 years and over, to take advantage of our fee-free services, and to access the support they require.

“Whether it’s respite for primary carers in need of some personal time, food shopping for those living with mobility issues, or group outings to participate in sporting clubs or hobbies, AQ offers support services tailored to specific individual needs,” Prasad said.

AQ’s fee-free aged care services include:

• Centre-based respite — day respite with structured group activities in a community setting, operating from home-like centres designed to foster, maintain or support a person with independent living and social interaction.
• Cottage respite — day and overnight respite with a home-like feel for families wishing to access respite for up to a week. (All meals and activities are provided through the AQ Centre, and can be arranged at relatively short notice.)
• Flexible respite — hourly respite in a home or community setting.
• Individual social support — including activities such as shopping and medication management.
• Group social support — coordination of social and meaningful activities, small group outings, community functions and local clubs, tailored to meeting an individual’s needs.
   

The AQ aged care community support services offer is available at:

• Garden City Multi Service Centre, Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
• Gordon Park Multi Service Centre, Gordon Park, Brisbane
• Gold Coast Multi Service Centre, Arundel, Gold Coast
• Ipswich Multi Service Centre, Ipswich
• Toowoomba Multi Service Centre, Toowoomba.
   

Prasad said, “Having a voice enables our clients to access the care and services they require, to support their overall physical, and mental health and wellbeing.”

Those wishing to access the services available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba, can register by calling 1800 639 331 or emailing [email protected].

Reference

^{1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings. 2019; Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release.}

Image caption: AQ Ipswich multi-service centre. Image: supplied.