Despite the many challenges that Paul, a 60-year-old living with advanced dementia, has endured, his story is one of resilience and hope. With the support of his loving family and Momentum Collective, Paul is now on a journey toward greater comfort and dignity, surrounded by those who understand and uplift him. Paul’s life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with Dementia and his health rapidly declined. His wife, Kathy, did everything she could to care for him at home, but it became clear that he needed more specialised support. Unfortunately, Paul wasn’t eligible for aged care due to being under 65, which led to his relocation to Sydney under a Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangement, nine hours away from his home and family. For five long months, Paul had little to no contact with the people he loved most, which was incredibly hard on him.
Paul found himself lost in an unfamiliar urban environment that never felt like home. His family missed him dearly and wanted to bring him back closer to them, somewhere he could feel more settled and connected. That’s when Paul came to Momentum Collective as a Medium-Term Accommodation.
Since moving into a two-bedroom unit in Tweed Heads, Paul’s life has changed in meaningful ways. With daily support for his personal care, he now receives the necessary assistance he requires. Yet, it’s the small moments – like his short walks around the neighbourhood with his Support Workers – that have brought him a renewed sense of peace. The change in environment has been significant for Paul. He now has a team of involved allied health professionals, including support from Dementia Australia, a Positive Behaviour Support team, a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. These resources have positively impacted Paul’s general well-being despite the complexity of his condition.
Although forming relationships with the other residents has been a challenge for Paul due to his cognitive decline, he has shown signs of becoming more comfortable with the other residents and support staff around him in this supported living environment.
Paul’s wife and daughter are proud of his progress. They can now visit him whenever they like, and they’ve remarked how much better his living situation is compared to his time in Sydney. While Paul’s future holds many uncertainties, his family and support team remain hopeful. Though he is still in need of more specialised dementia care, the goal is to find a home where he can receive the care he requires while continuing to feel as comfortable and connected as possible.
A great reminder how important it is for people in SIL homes to receive support that meets individual needs. Though the journey has been challenging, with the right support, Paul finds moments of peace and familiarity, bringing his family hope for his future.
For more information on our Supported Living options visit our webpage or call 1300 900 091 to speak with a member of our team.