McCusker Donation to Unique Dementia Nursing Service

WA’s only dedicated service to support carers of people with dementia (run by Amana Living) has been given a large boost by the McCusker Charitable Foundation.

A $100,000 donation from the McCusker Charitable Foundation to Amana Living will help the organisation to keep the vital and free McCusker Nurse Service going.

Since its inception in 2011, the McCusker Nurses have supported around 2000 carers of people with dementia. The service, staffed by experienced registered nurses specialising in dementia, was created to reduce carer burden by providing expert advice, information and education.

Amana Living CEO Stephanie Buckland said, “There are more than 33,000 people in WA living with dementia and a large number are cared for by their loved ones in the community. This places a huge stress on the carer, and they can often feel alone, confused and overwhelmed.

“Clients have told us that the McCusker Nurses give them encouragement, help when there is no-one else to turn to, comfort and perspective. This generous donation from the McCusker Foundation will ensure we can continue to provide support to carers of people with dementia, offering a lifeline in what can be a distressing time.”

In WA, the number of people living with dementia is expected to grow by almost 300 percent over the next 40 years. This is the highest growth rate in the nation according to Core Data, and Amana Living expects demand for the McCusker Nurse Service will continue to grow.

Tonya McCusker added, “We have heard first hand from people caring for loved ones with dementia, how important a service this is. To have a caring, informed nurse available to answer critical questions during this difficult period in life is so important. Malcolm and I are delighted to play a small role and commend Amana Living for their commitment to aged care.”

The McCusker Nurse service was developed by Amana Living and is funded by the McCusker Charitable Foundation, Perpetual Trustees and Amana Living Anglican Foundation.

Find out more about Amana Living. 

Pictured: Tonya and Malcolm McCusker and their daughter Mary with Amana Living CEO Stephanie Buckland.