Dementia Australia welcomes the South Australian Government’s budget announcement to allocate $537 million in additional funds to build a better health system.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said it was excellent to see $69.1 million over the next four years allocated to the reactivation of the Repatriation General Hospital site, where planning continues for dementia care and older persons mental health services.
“Greater investment in dementia care will result in improved quality of care and life for people living with dementia. Dementia-focused programs in acute care can improve care outcomes for people living with dementia, reduce length of hospital stays and associated expenditure,” Ms McCabe said.
Dementia Australia also acknowledges the South Australian Government’s allocation of additional funding of $6.7 million over the next financial year to support the finalisation of the state’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“It is important that dementia is considered when funding for disabilities, carers, health and aged care is being distributed,” Ms McCabe said.
“Dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century.”
There are 37,551 people living with dementia in South Australia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase to an estimated 47,307 people by 2028 and 73,040 people by 2058.
“Dementia impacts many South Australians and further action is needed to support people living with dementia now,” Ms McCabe said.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of women in Australia.
Currently an estimated 250 people are joining the population with dementia each day.
For all South Australians local support and information is available for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, and their families and carers at www.dementia.org.au or via the National Dementia Helpline by free-calling 1800 100 500.
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.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 Interpreter service available. (The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area
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