“The Government’s announcement of $54.4 million in funding, that will go over four years to a new initiative to support people with severe symptoms of dementia in residential care facilities, is very good news,” said Lin Hatfield Dodds, National Director of UnitingCare Australia.
“Our agencies provide the largest share of aged care in the country and we are consistently hearing that the challenges of caring for people with dementia are growing. Additional support to assist residential care providers in meeting this challenge is most welcome.”
Approximately, one in four people who are aged 85 and over have dementia. With an ageing population, it is expected that, by 2050, nearly 900,000 Australians will be living with dementia. Already, more than half the permanent residents in Government-funded aged-care facilities around Australia have been diagnosed with dementia.
“This is a growing challenge and the Government is right to be trialling a new initiative to improve our capacity to care for this vulnerable group of people. It is a positive step forward, both for the people who need specialised care and for the services doing their best to provide that care with limited resources,” said Ms Hatfield Dodds.
“The Government has clearly heard and understood the concerns raised at the Dementia Forum. We are pleased that the Government has worked with the aged-care sector to find solutions, and has continued to invest the $54.4 million specifically into this area.
“We also welcome the Government’s announcement that they will conduct a more comprehensive review of existing dementia programs. Today’s initiative is an important first step but, with the challenge of caring for people with severe symptoms of dementia growing, continued attention will be needed. We welcome the review and encourage the Government to give focus to this issue. We hope Australia can become a world leader in caring for people with dementia.”
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THat is good news.However assurance is also required that funding will be continued for the support agencies which exist in the community. These support agencies such as Lifebridge at Kingsliff where my husband attends do such a marvellous job both for the person with dementia and the carer.It is because this type of facility is available that people like my husband are still able to live at home.