New restorative care places increases options for people with dementia

Dementia Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s offering of 775 new Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) program places.

Acting CEO of Dementia Australia, Leanne Emerson, said the organisation welcomed the additional places, but would like to see more awareness of the benefits that this kind of program for people living with dementia.
“It’s great that the Federal Government has expanded the Restorative Care program for older Australians, but our experience is that people with dementia are rarely given access to restorative or reablement programs. People with dementia can benefit greatly from restorative approaches and we hope to see this as an integral part of dementia care in the future,” Ms Emerson said.
“Receiving the additional services and learning the new skills the STRC programs makes available would allow people living with dementia to be more independent and this has enormous benefits for them and their communities.”
The STRC program provides tailored early intervention care and services that can prevent older people from prematurely entering long term care and help them remain independent longer. Services can include physiotherapy, social work, nursing support, personal care and assistive technologies depending on the person’s needs. The places will become available from 1 July.
Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information to Australians impacted by dementia.
Dementia Australia provides crucial support at the early stages of diagnosis, as well as at every stage along the way, to help people better understand and manage the condition, its progression and how to live well with dementia.
An estimated 436,000 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 www.dementia.org.au
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