Focus on dementia in recommendations to Aged Care Royal Commission welcomed by Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia has welcomed the inclusion of dementia-specific recommendations by Counsel Assisting in the final submissions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said these important recommendations around tailored care pathways, specialist services, service design and workforce capacity reinforce the message from people living with dementia, families and carers that dementia is not yet – but must be – core business for the aged care sector.

“The proposed recommendations in the final submissions indicate to us that concerns of people living with dementia, their families and carers have finally been heard,” Ms McCabe said.

“We support the systematic overhaul of the aged care system, with the recommendations clearly demonstrating how quality dementia care can – and must – be embedded in the design, implementation and monitoring of any redesigned aged care system.

“We are especially pleased to see the recommendation for immediate funding for education and training for the current workforce, with a focus on dementia.

“Dementia Australia has long advocated for mandatory workforce training in dementia care. Improved care for people living with dementia starts with better knowledge and understanding of dementia and how it can impact individuals, and it is heartening to see this reflected in the

/Public Release.