Dementia Australia report that over 400,000 Australians currently live with dementia—a number expected to double by 2054. WA is expected to experience the highest percentage increase in dementia cases nationwide. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), support and interventions for people with dementia, their family and caregivers are essential to maintain quality of life and to promote functional and social independence.
For people with dementia, living at home with family members offers numerous benefits, including stronger social connections and improved quality of life. Providing dementia-specific information to people with dementia and their caregivers ensures they are aware of available resources and support services. Evidence has shown that caregiver education can improve the quality of life for both the caregivers and those they care for.
As more people are diagnosed with dementia, it’s important to give families the right information and tools to help them. Easy-to-understand, reliable support can help people with dementia stay active, connected, and involved in their communities. It can also make things easier for family members and caregivers, helping reduce stress and improve care for everyone.
This study is an evaluation of BrightRespite, an innovative model of respite for people living with dementia and their family carers. BrightRespite provides respite and dementia-specific education for people in the early stages of dementia and their caregiver through the provision of 3-day/2-night respite stays within resort accommodation venues.
The evaluation will include surveys and interviews with accommodation venue staff, Brightwater staff, caregivers, and people living with dementia who attend one of the respite stays.
The results of the evaluation will help us understand caregiver knowledge about dementia, coping strategies and caregiver burden, and overall wellbeing and quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Dr Wendy Simpson
Brightwater Research Centre
Associate Professor Elissa Burton
Harken-Brightwater Fellow
Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
(formally the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care)
Improving respite care for people with dementia and their carers (2023)
Active
Caring for someone living with mild to moderate dementia can be rewarding but also challenging. By getting the right support, education, and connections early on, you can help your loved one with dementia stay at home for longer.
BrightRespite is a 3-day, 2-night respite retreat set in the comfort of a hotel or resort. It is designed to refresh and empower carers while providing quality care and enriching activities for your loved one.
BrightRespite is more than just a break – it’s an opportunity for carers to gain vital skills, connect with others who share similar experiences, and rediscover balance in their caregiving journey.
Discover BrightRespite
