Caring for a loved one with dementia or other complex needs can be an overwhelming experience. Still, the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s Weavers program has found a way to support carers in the region.
The Weavers program provides a much-needed support system for carers of people living with dementia, offering them guidance, empathy, and connection.
At its core, the Weavers program pairs carers with experienced mentors, often former carers or professionals from aged care and dementia support fields.
These mentors, known as Weavers, understand the challenges of caregiving firsthand and offer companionship, advice, and reassurance.
Robyn, one of the program’s Weavers, witnessed both her father and grandmother develop dementia, and was actively involved with her father throughout his journey.
Reflecting on her family’s journey, she recalls the lack of available resources at the time and the emotional toll of watching her father decline.
When she saw an advertisement for the Weavers program, she recognised an opportunity to provide the support she had once needed.
“It’s really about being empathetic with someone going through the caring role because it’s so hard,” Robyn explains. “Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them.”
“Everybody who is dealing with a loved one with dementia, whether it’s a parent or a partner, is going through so much trauma or grief because it’s such a hard disease to deal with. Their relationships can change overnight and this can be very hard to accept.”
Lynda, another Weaver, had a different but equally profound experience. She cared for her partner, Veda, who lived with a rare form of young-onset dementia and faced significant challenges, including a traumatic experience where her partner was forcibly hospitalised.
Having worked extensively with the disability and healthcare sectors, Lynda used her expertise to navigate complex systems and advocate for her partner’s rights. Now, as a Weaver, she shares her knowledge with others and provides emotional support to carers adjusting to their evolving roles.
“When I learned that Veda had this rare kind of dementia. I thought, ‘Well, I don’t know anything about dementia, but I’m going to learn.’ So, I did, really fast. Understanding her rights as a person with a disability and her rights as a person with dementia was really really important to me,” she said.
Sharon Stewart coordinates the Weavers program for the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre. She carefully matches Weavers with carers based on shared experiences and understanding, ensuring a supportive and beneficial relationship.
“The Weavers all come from different backgrounds. I think each of them comes with unique, although similar emotional experiences, and what’s great is that when we have our collective meetings, everyone works together to support our carers,” she said.
A key aspect of the Weavers program is flexibility. Support can be as simple as a phone call or a coffee meeting tailored to the carer’s needs.
Training is provided to Weavers in the form of two half-day one-one sessions.
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, the Weavers program fosters a strong sense of community. Carers and Weavers learn from each other, exchanging insights and strategies. Regular group meetings provide a space for connection, where participants support their assigned carer and others in the network.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is seeking Weavers to join their program. A Weaver can be anyone who has cared for someone with dementia, including nurses and people who have worked in the dementia field professionally.
If you are interested in becoming a Weaver contact Sharon Stewart at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre on 4255 6800 or 0492 857 827.
