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Wednesday 15 April 2015
Media Release
Government investment in dementia and aged
care welcomed
Alzheimer’s Australia welcomes the announcement from Minister for Social Services, the
Hon. Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister, Senator the Hon. Mitch Fifield of their
commitment to inject $34 million worth of new grant funding into Australia’s aged care
sector, including dementia care.
Two projects funded under this program include national dementia-specific programs that
aim to provide flexible respite services to dementia carers and to train GPs and practice
nurses in the timely diagnosis of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Australia CEO, Carol Bennett, said: “This is promising news for the more
than 340,000 Australians living with dementia and the more than 1.2 million people
involved in their care.
“Accessible respite is something Alzheimer’s Australia has been advocating for and it is
pleasing to see that the government is focusing its efforts on improving the service.
“The timely diagnosis of dementia is vital in assisting people with dementia to gain
access the services they need including early intervention in the form of treatment,
support, advance planning and understanding of the condition.
“Training staff in general practice will also reduce the chances of poor or inappropriate
medical management of symptoms and high rates of unnecessary hospitalisation.
“GPs and nursing staff are often the first point of contact when people first notice
symptoms of dementia. Therefore it is essential to increase their knowledge of dementia
diagnosis, assessment, and management to achieve optimal health outcomes for people
with dementia. This project provides the opportunity to train GPs and practice nurses all
over the country.”
Media enquiries: Krystal Craig / 0407 019 430 / krystal.craig@alzheimers.org.au
Alzheimer’s Australia is the charity for people with dementia and their families and carers. As the peak body, it
provides advocacy, support services, education and information. More than 342,800 people have dementia in Australia.
This number is projected to reach more than half a million by 2030.
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500
An interpreter service is available
(The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area
fightdementia.org.au