iSupport Project Trial

Resthaven is supporting a new project, led by Prof Lily Xiao of Flinders University, which aims to support informal and family carers of people living with dementia.

Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, explains, "Through the iSupport project, customers who attend Resthaven’s Community Respite Services are testing a set of on online education modules. The aim is to educate carers in understanding what dementia is, how it impacts on a person, and how carers can better support both themselves and the person they care for."

"As a partner, Resthaven staff were invited to advise on the content of the modules, then assist carers to evaluate the usefulness of the modules as an online support."

"The carers who were part of the consultation process brought their individual expertise to contribute to the look and language of the modules, which were developed by the World Health Organization, and individualised for each locality."

"Carers are currently trialling a sample of the modules, as well as the online peer group discussion forum."

"Carers will be able to access the modules individually, and at the time that suit their needs."

"The initial pilot is now complete, and we thank all those informal and family carers who participated."

To find out more about the project, visit isupportdementia.flinders.edu.au/

Resthaven Community Respite Services supports older people and their carers with a range of respite options. To find out more, phone (08) 8198 2060. 

Resthaven also provides residential aged care at twelve fully accredited homes across South Australia, along with in-home care and support for those living in their own homes throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.

Pictured: Carer, Mr Richard Hamson, with Community Respite Services Coordinator, Gillian Schulze, checking out the learning modules.