Building a Resilient
Community of Carers
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
In our pursuit of the Church’s third Mark of Mission, Amana Living stands as a beacon of loving service to human needs. Our McCusker Nurse Service uniquely embodies this mission, fostering a resilient community of informed and supported carers. It empowers families to confidently care for their loved ones living with dementia, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
Since 2011, the McCusker Nurse Service has significantly improved the lives of more than 6,900 carers and people with dementia. Our three nurses have helped these individuals remain home and prevented hospital admissions. Moreover, they have made a lasting impact on families by providing essential emotional and practical support.
As Western Australia’s ageing population grows and dementia becomes increasingly prevalent, the demand for the McCusker Nurse Service will continue to surge. It is predicted that the number of Australians living with dementia will nearly double by 2054, with Western Australia experiencing the highest increase.
While caring can be a rewarding role filled with love, it can also be challenging. Primary carers of people with dementia often experience physical or emotional effects due to their caregiver role, such as worry and depression. Carers say they need more physical assistance, emotional support and respite.
The McCusker Nurse Service helps to meet these needs. Our nurses provide carers with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to better navigate the complexities of a dementia diagnosis. This support can significantly enhance the quality of life for the person with dementia and their carer.
Just like John and his partner living with dementia, who were referred to the McCusker Nurse Service by a hospital social worker. Struggling with his own Parkinson’s Disease, John was overwhelmed and confused, unable to manage his responsibilities.
The McCusker Nurse introduced the Care Finder Service to help him navigate the aged care system. By February, a high-priority assessment led to Level 4 Home Care Packages for John and his partner, significantly improving their quality of life.
Without the timely intervention of the McCusker Nurse Service, John and his partner could have ended up in the hospital and admitted to residential aged care prematurely. The service transformed their circumstances, providing essential care, support and renewed hope.
We’ll continue to adapt and evolve the McCusker Nurse Service as community needs grow. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the McCusker Charitable Foundation, whose donations have helped us maintain this free and essential service for over a decade.