Stronger Carers Brochure

Stronger Carers Peer Support FREE personal coaching for carers of people living with dementia, by trained volunteer coaches

What does the program offer?

• Trained volunteer coaches with personal experience of caring for a person with dementia • Up to six visits with a coach, either at home, or in another suitable location • Useful strategies to support your caring role • Guidance on how to access essential services, including peer support

Am I eligible for this program?

You are eligible for the program if you: • Live in Sydney • Are caring for someone with dementia NB A formal diagnosis of dementia is not required, and the carer does not have to be living with the person with dementia

Benefits of this program • You will be offered new skills to help you care • You will be supported and listened to • You will be provided with information on support services and other useful resources to support you in your caring role

Gain practical skills and strategies Your coach will listen to you, and provide you with useful tips and strategies to develop skills to help you address some of the challenges you may be experiencing.

Sessions will focus on key areas such as the impact of dementia, improved communication, understanding why behaviours change over time, self-care, accessing services and planning ahead.

Recognising and managing emotions Your coach can offer support that is designed to help you manage a range of emotions such as grief, loss, anxiety, depression and fatigue. This may include coaching in stress management and relaxation techniques.

Emotional support Your coach has their own personal experience of caring for someone with dementia. They can offer you emotional support without judgement. Most importantly, they can provide you with an opportunity to discuss your problems with someone who truly understands what you are going through.

Positive social connections Your coach can offer advice on how to access other services including in-home or day care services. They can also recommend ways that you can make positive social connections with other carers e.g. through your local carers’ support group or dementia cafÊ.

Research shows that Coaching in caring skills + Relaxation & stress management + Social connection + Linkages to services =

Stronger Carers

Feedback from past participants...

“The program was unexpected as I didn’t realise it was meant to help me, so it was a pleasant surprise that someone cared about me and my feelings, someone reached out to me” “I needed support, encouragement and understanding. Only this program concentrates on the struggling carer” “The person I care for has benefited from the program – through my new knowledge. My confidence, I believe, has improved.”

“In discussing things with our carer coach, we could express things we hadn’t thought about before. We appreciated the time with our carer coach, it was very good” “The carer program gave me a better understanding of how to handle situations myself”

Caring For Someone With Dementia?

Let one of our trained volunteer coaches support you with FREE personal coaching

“Thank you very for allowing us to participate in the stronger carer programme. Our Coach is a wonderful facilitator and her help was very welcome. We found the programme to be informative in general and specific advice.

There are hints and tips our Coach has given us that are working wonders with mum. Our Coach was easily contactable and always got back to us to answer our concerns.

Thank you again for your help.�

Why Choose BaptistCare?

We are proud of the work we do, the services we deliver and the programs we offer – but most of all, we are proud of our community. This is what makes BaptistCare special.

We are a community of people who respect one another’s individuality, and who value the support and friendship that comes from an improved quality of life.

We are passionate about life transforming care. This is because we practise it every day, in countless ways. At BaptistCare we encourage independence whilst strongly valuing the connections we share within our community.

This is the BaptistCare difference. Together, we provide Care you can trust.

For more information, please contact:

1300 275 227

baptistcare.org.au

D00637-1810

ask@baptistcare.org.au