"Well, it was a shock to the system, it was devastating really," Betty said. 

Dementia affects nearly half a million Australians, as well as almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. It's a progressive disease without a cure, impacting cognitive function, memory, thinking and behaviour, making daily activities challenging and hindering independence.

"One of the hardest things for me to accept was that I wasn't allowed to drive anymore. That was a big shock as I couldn't get around," Bill said.

With regular hospitalisation and declining health, Bill lost confidence in activities he once enjoyed.

"Before my diagnosis, I was learning Italian, playing chess and Sudoku. I gave up all those activities because I thought I couldn’t do them anymore," he shared.

Fortunately, after a hospital visit, a visiting social worker suggested the no-cost Dementia Rehabilitation Program, provided by Encara and funded by South Eastern Melbourne PHN. The 12-week in-home program aims to improve access to allied health-led rehabilitation activities, enhancing independence and wellbeing.

Led by Allied Health Professionals, the program offers podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, aromatherapy and optional art and music therapy. Initially hesitant about art therapy, Bill and Betty found it surprisingly beneficial."The therapy helped Bill come out of his shell," Betty noted.

Additionally, visits from the program's podiatrist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist provided invaluable support, aiding in Bill's mobility and Betty's caregiving confidence.

"The program helped me a lot, just knowing that I’m doing the right thing. They really involved and guided us based on where we needed help," Betty shared.

With improved mobility and confidence, Bill regained a lot of his independence, returning to his chess club and rediscovering the joy of reading.

"Now he can go down to the library by himself, which was something he couldn't do," Betty remarked.

Post-program, Bill and Betty continue exercises and feel more positive about the future. "It's an awful thing to be diagnosed with, but we can get on with life, I think, as best we can," Betty expressed.

The Dementia Rehabilitation Program is currently available to individuals aged 65 and over and has recently expanded from Mornington Peninsula Shire and City of Casey to include residents of the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Kingston and City of Frankston.

Since its launch in July 2023, over 90 people have benefited from the program.

Bill and Betty highly recommend the program, urging others to take it up.

"To anyone given the opportunity to join, we would say embrace it with open arms and don’t let it go!"

Encara accepts all referrals including self-referrals, family referrals or health professional referrals including GPs, specialists, care partners and other allied health professionals.

For more information about the program, visit Encara’s website.