Dementia Australia sweeps 2021 Future of Ageing Awards

This week in the 2021 Future of Ageing Awards, Dementia Australia’s Communities of Practice and Dementia-Friendly Communities programs received top prizes along with the Exploring Dementia and Dementia Australia Advisory Committee programs receiving high commendations.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it was an absolute honour for the programs to be recognised.

“We are delighted to have received such recognition of a diverse range of programs,” Ms McCabe said.

“These awards demonstrate our commitment to support people impacted by dementia and to enable them to live as well as possible.

“Congratulations to all the teams on this most deserved achievement – it is a fantastic recognition of your extraordinary work and dedication.”

The Centre for Dementia Learning Communities of Practice program, which won the Service Transformation category, works to bring together aged care staff committed to transforming dementia care and supports them to overcome the challenges of implementing change.

The Dementia-Friendly Communities program, which won the Community Engagement category, addresses the stigma, isolation and discrimination experienced by people impacted by dementia. In a Dementia-Friendly Community people have an understanding of dementia and come together to create a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone to live.

The Dementia Australia Advisory Committee, which received a high commendation in the Consumer Experience category, is made up of people living with dementia. The first of its kind in Australia, the national Committee provides strategic advice to Dementia Australia and other stakeholders on shaping dementia services, programs, policy development and advocacy goals.

The Exploring Dementia program, which received a high commendation in the Indigenous Communities category, is designed to improve the dementia care knowledge of the health and aged care workers supporting Indigenous clients living with dementia in remote communities.

Inside Ageing presents the awards and Publisher Sean McKeown said this year’s winners were leading the way in making a difference for ageing Australians.

“This year’s Future of Ageing Awards was our biggest ever, with a high number of entries for all categories,” Mr McKeown said.

“It’s encouraging to see new innovation and positive change making a difference to the lives of ageing Australians, and in no small way the list of winners and highly-commended are leading in this area.”

The full list of award recipients is available here.

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

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