Responding to dementia demand

Nine new dementia-specific day care centres will be built throughout NSW.

Extra funding has been allocated to build or develop nine new dementia-specific day care centres in NSW.

The Commonwealth and state governments will contribute $11.86 million to the joint project under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Justine Elliot said the centres were being built in response to rising rates of dementia as the population ages.

“In 2006 there were over 73,000 people living with dementia in NSW. By 2050 it is estimated the number will increase to 227,000,” she said.

“This is about the State and Federal Governments working together. It is also about preparing for Australia’s future challenges.”

The day care centres will provide outings, day trips, diversionary activities as well as nursing and allied health services to people with dementia. They will also provide support services for carers.

“The carers of people with dementia are everyday people doing an extraordinary job,” said Mrs Elliot.

The state Minister for Ageing, Disability and Home Care said the new centres will meet a strong a demand.

“The new facilities will help people with dementia to live as independently as possible in their own homes, which is what many of them and their families have told us they want,” she said.

The new centres will be located in Cooma, Woy Woy, Baulkham Hills, Orange, Lightning Ridge, Casino, Wollongong, Willoughby and Wee Waa. 

Seven more purpose-designed dementia-specific day care centres are planned for NSW.

Tags: hacc,

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