1. RURAL SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL PEOPLE
Creating an appropriate environment for rural Australians living with dementia
Peter Birkett
Andrea Dunlop

2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Peter Birkett MBA, B.Comm.,R.M.,R.N.
Andrea Dunlop M.Hlth.Sc.,B.App.Sc.(OT)
Have no real or apparent conflicts of interest to report

4. Overview Charlie’s Story Policy Context in Australia Rural Inequity
Harnessing Knowledge
Werruna the Never Ending Environment

5. Charlie’s Story…
Charlie is a 63 year old Australian farmer. Charlie has dementia. He is cared for by his wife Maggie. They are struggling in the absence of specialist support services.
But where are they?

11. Policy Context in Australia
First class health system
2006 National Framework for Action on Dementia
Higher incidence of dementia in rural areas
Limited access for rural and remote people
Lowered rural life expectancy
Mind the Rural Gap

12. …Charlie’s Story… Charlie deteriorates and now requires 24 hour care.
Charlie must leave his farming home.
But where does he go?

14. But Charlie is a risk when he drives.
…Charlie’s Story…
Charlie is calmer and less aggressive when he is outside in the paddock with his animals.
But Charlie is a risk when he drives.

15. A Rural Solution Farming community need
One third of residents with BPSD
Organisational risk – Failure to provide
Harnessing the community
Avoiding constraints
Our vision

16. Werruna
A five year development of a secure rural residential environment for people with advanced dementia

18. Limitations from Yesterday
Corridors & racetracks
Small buildings
Hidden facilities
Vinyl floors
Locked doors
Glass offices
???

19. Environment is Important
“A dwelling is much more than shelter. Ideally it should provide safety, refuge and accessibility, as well as a sense of belonging, purpose and wellbeing”
(Satariano, 1995)

20. Farm spaces
Meandering paths
Lake & windmill
Werrunadementia unit
10 places
Existing Facility – 45 places

21. Position of bedrooms

22. Communal living space
Central double sided open fire place
Artist studio
Glass conservatory
Dining & activity space

26. Light Turrets
Coloured light streams

34. Minimising Unnecessary Noise
Internal feature brick work
Elimination of corridors
Rubber backed carpet – no vinyl
Soft furnishings
Soft closing doors
Avoidance of public address system

35. Art for Wellbeing
A purpose designed art space and a resident artist encourage alternative means of expression

39. Familiar Rural Origins
Reflecting
Familiar Rural Origins

42. …Charlie’s Story Charlie now has a choice. A rural option.
Charlie now calls Werruna home.

43. A Rural Perspective Translating knowledge Fostering innovation
Community responsiveness
Farmers as health consumer
Rural solutions

44. ‘Rural people are entitled to have services that reflect the fabric of their life while maintaining connections with their families and local communities’
Charlie’s message…

45. Hesse Rural Health Winchelsea, Victoria, Australia www
Hesse Rural Health Winchelsea, Victoria, Australia Peter Birkett and Andrea Dunlop