Calls to fund quality dementia care roadmap

Dementia Australia is urging the Australian Government to fund its roadmap for quality dementia care.

Consumer peak body Dementia Australia and 200 dementia advocates have written an open letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to implement its vision for quality dementia care.

Demenita Australia’s A Roadmap for Quality Dementia Care “is the solution for Government to the recommendations about dementia from the royal commission,” the advocates say.

The letter, which was released on Tuesday is written on behalf of the 500,000 Australians  with dementia and the 1.6 million people involved in their care, say the signatories.

“Your response provides a once in a generation opportunity to commit to the funding and policy settings we need to deliver quality dementia care. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” the letter said.

The roadmap for quality dementia care was developed by Dementia Australia in partnership with Dementia Training Australia and Dementia Support Australia and published last month.

It is based on the views of people living with dementia, families and carers and providers and addresses the gaps and systemic failings and recommendations outlined in the aged care royal commission’s final report.

The letter highlights the commissioners’ recommendations reflected in the roadmap including:

  • the establishment of a dementia support pathway
  • greater funding for specialist dementia care services
  • quality standards that reflect high quality dementia care
  • dementia friendly design in residential aged care
  • dementia care training for workers.

“These reforms are well overdue,” according to the letter. “If we get care right for people living with dementia, we get it right for everyone.”

Professor Graeme Samuel

Dementia Australia chair Professor Graeme Samuel said the letter aimed to ensure the Government seized this once in a generation opportunity to transform dementia care and the aged care system.

“We expect a significant investment and transformation in the May budget that will make a profound difference to the experience of people affected by dementia – now and for generations to come. These reforms are well overdue,” Professor Samuel said.

Read the letter and find out more about Dementia Australia’s roadmap.

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Tags: dementia australia, dementia support australia, dementia training australia, Professor Graeme Samuel, Roadmap for Quality Dementia Care,

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