Booklet marks first 20 years

The The First Twenty Years booklet was written by members of the APRS Auxiliary and launched by founding member Roma Matheson.

The Arthur Preston Centre as it was known from 1981 until 1998 was the brainchild of Reverend Arthur Preston, Superintendent of Wesley Mission, Professor Edmond Chiu, a psychiatrist with expertise in the diagnose and treatment of Huntington’s Disease and Melbourne University Department of Psychiatry social worker Betty Telscher.

The International Hospital and Aged Care Journal described APRS last year as a leader in the provision of innovative residential services for people with special needs.

APRS Manager Di Gilbert said before the centre was established, those with Huntington’s Disease were accommodated in facilities such as psychiatric institutions and psycho-geriatric homes, none of which were appropriate for people with the condition.

‘Wesley Mission’s commitment to the needs of people with Huntington Disease has meant that during the last 20 years more than 560 Victorians with neurological disabilities have received support that serves their individual requirements,’ Ms Gilbert said.

‘Since moving to our current purpose-built site in 1998 we have been able to accommodate our residents in three homes.

‘Our goal is to provide a comfortable home environment where total care and support are available.

‘Staff includes registered nurses, a speech pathologist, physiotherapist and recreation team,’ Ms Gilbert said.

Huntington’s Disease is an incurable neurological condition affecting about one in every 12,500 Victorians.

The disease is hereditary and results in cognitative, physical and emotional disturbances impacting on all aspects of a person’s life.

• For more information of the The First Twenty Years booklet contact Di Gilbert on 9886 6600.