On a remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 1000km southeast of Darwin, is Mornington Island, with a total population of 1,000. The island is the traditional home of the Lardil people.
Kuba Natha Hostel is the only aged care home on Mornington Island, and home to a dozen residents. 17 staff operate on a fly in and fly out basis.
Last year, we reported that Queensland Not For Profit health services provider selectability had taken over operation of Kuba Natha Hostel from Not for Profit community healthcare provider Gidgee Healing. In March, selectability reached out to HammondCare’s Dementia Support Australia (DSA) specialist service when a 73-year-old resident, a domestic violence survivor who had been homeless and malnourished, had threatened and attacked staff.
DSA consultant Alison Carnecky found the woman’s actions were the result of her inability to communicate her needs clearly.
After talking to the woman and consulting staff, Carnecky firstly ensured the woman was taking medication to help with back pain, anxiety and depression. The woman was provided with a television she could watch in her own room to end disputes over TV programs in the common space. And the woman also began taking part in a community care service that travels the island three days a week to keep her connected with community.
An outdoor courtyard was also improved, turning an unused space into a vibrant gathering area for yarning and laughter around a firepit.
DSA Head of Professional Services Marie Alford said trauma informed, culturally sensitive support for First Nation’s people living with dementia is a growing area of work for their 300 consultants located across Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are three to five times more likely to develop dementia than the rest of Australia and are likely to have symptoms earlier.
Kuba Natha Hostel regional manager Jayne Maddick said residents are more engaged after the changes.
“When we had the cooler nights, we were lighting the fire in the firepit outside and everyone was around sharing stories and laughing.’’
In recent months, the home has only experienced two incidents with residents, a “huge change,” said Jayne.
