Adaptability for Disability
Able Koala Retreat Outstanding Disability Services Provider (Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care)
1. Introduction
At Able Koala Care Service & Retreat, we believe care should adapt to each person, not the other way around. Our mission is to create safe, inclusive, and innovative homes where people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can live with dignity, freedom, and joy — while families find peace of mind. Our project, Adaptability for Disability, reimagines dementia care as more than safety and routine. We design environments where participants can still make choices, walk freely, connect with community, and express their personality — even when their words fade.
2. The Challenge
Families facing dementia often feel isolated and overwhelmed. The person they love begins to change: speech declines, behaviours shift, and familiar expressions of love are lost. Many families pull away, unable to cope with the stress of unsafe behaviours or aggressive outbursts. This is where Able Koala steps in. We not only provide 24/7 support, but also guide families to understand that love still exists, even if it speaks differently.
“Who are you?” may mean “I know you matter, even if I can’t say your name.”
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“You are not my daughter.” may mean
“You are stronger and more important than I can remember.”
We teach families to see beyond the disease, and to recognise new ways of saying “I love you.”
3. Our Approach Adaptability for Disability
Our care pathway adapts with the person:
STA (Short-Term Accommodation): A safe trial environment to reduce family stress and build trust.
SIL (Supported Independent Living): Structured homes where participants receive personalised care in a safe, family-like environment.
The Retreat (Tamborine Mountain): Open, dementia-friendly spaces where participants can walk freely, enjoy home-cooked meals, and join activities with carers always nearby.
4. Stories of Transformation
Patrizia, a post-graduate nurse who spent her life caring for others, developed aphasia in her early fifties. Her speech declined quickly, leaving her frustrated and unsafe at home — walking into traffic, leaving cafés without paying, refusing food, and neglecting hygiene. Her family turned to Able Koala. After adapting well in STA, she transitioned to SIL and then to our Tamborine Retreat, where she could walk freely and safely. Her strong personality shines through as she keeps staff on their toes, asking for things to be tidy. Recently she celebrated her 70th birthday surrounded by family, a moment of love and dignity. When her sister visited from Portugal, Patrizia hid behind a tree at farewell — her way of saying “I will miss you.”
5. Stories of Transformation
Armindo
After six months in hospital, Armindo Cruz was ready for discharge — but no provider would accept him due to reports of “aggressive behaviours.” His family was exhausted and desperate. At Able Koala Retreat, we welcomed him with a Portuguese-speaking staff member so he could feel safe in his language. At first, he refused care. Our Director, Gisele, trained staff and family on a new approach: speak softly, involve him in each step, take time, and wait for his readiness. The results were extraordinary. Within days, Armindo accepted showers and clothes changes without aggression or heavy medication. He ate well, stayed clean, and walked happily all day. His wife, Maria, said she had never seen him like this before. Though his time with us was short, our staff even guided his new carers so his progress could continue. Armindo’s story proves that with patience, cultural respect, and trust, transformation is always possible.
6. Stories of Transformation
Other Inspiring Journeys
Alongside Patrizia and Armindo, we are privileged to support many others: Clare, Ralph, George “French”, Sue, Clarinda, Carmen, and more. Each has their own story of resilience, transformation, and dignity. Their journeys — from aggression to calm, from isolation to joy — are incredible to share and show the full impact of Adaptability for Disability.
8. Families & Love
Dementia changes how people communicate, but it does not take away love. We help families learn to see these new signals and accept their loved one in this stage. By doing so, we restore peace and connection, even when words are lost.
9. Looking Ahead
Our vision is to expand Adaptability for Disability into more retreat-style homes worldwide, building communities where people with dementia are safe, free, and included — and where families can breathe again.
10. Closing Statement
At Able Koala, we are more than a care provider. We are a partner to families, a safe haven for participants, and a pioneer in inclusive dementia care. We keep families connected with photos, messages, and videos — showing daily life, moments of joy, and even unexpected behaviours. This strengthens trust, restores connection, and gives families confidence that their loved one is respected and loved. Through Adaptability for Disability, we prove every day that even with dementia, people can live with freedom, choice, dignity, and love.
