Maree McCabe, Dementia Australia CEO said the initiatives in the 2019 Federal Budget are a good start but they do not speak to the heart of the problem for people living with dementia, their families and carers – the need for recognition of dementia within the health, ageing and disability industry.
“Dementia Australia’s Strategic Direction, Designing a New Future, released in October 2018, showed that the issues important to people impacted by dementia are timely diagnosis and support, the need for quality dementia care and tackling discrimination,” Ms McCabe said.
“With 447,000 Australians living with dementia, 1.5 million people involved in the care of someone living with dementia and the prevalence projected to increase to 1.1 million people by 2058, the impact of dementia cannot be ignored.
“Dementia is the chronic health condition of the 21st century.
“Dementia needs to be core business for everyone and there is still a lot more to do in health, disability and ageing.
“A comprehensive and coordinated action plan is required to specifically address the complex needs of people living with dementia and, their families and carers, 70 per cent of whom live in the community.
“This figure particularly highlights the urgent need to respond to the growing waiting list for Home Care Packages.
“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of Australian women.
“I urge all parties in the 2019 Federal election campaign to pledge to include significant investment in dementia care.
“I look forward to discussions with all political leaders on how they will commit to making a difference to the lives of all people impacted.”
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Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. Dementia Australia’s services are supported by the Australian Government.
