Dementia Australia has reiterated calls for compulsory dementia education to be embedded in health and aged care reforms in response to last night’s Federal Budget.
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Leanne Emerson said people impacted by dementia largely welcomed the ongoing focus on reforming aged care.
However, she has called on the Albanese Government to build on its commitment to strengthening the aged care workforce by investing in dementia education.
The $3.9 billion package of reforms includes:
- $2.5 billion towards 24/7 registered nurses and increased care minutes;
- $3.6 million for a national registration scheme for personal care workers;
- $5 million for access to better food and improved nutritional standards;
- $68.5 million to help improve regional aged care services;
- $23.1 million for in-home aged care reform; and
- $26.1 million for individual aged care homes supporting people living with dementia, First Nations people, people from diverse communities and those in regional areas.
“Compulsory dementia education is essential to the success of all of these initiatives,” Ms Emerson said.
She said dementia education leads to fewer high-risk incidents, lower rates of inappropriate use of medication and more positive staff attitudes and morale, which ultimately results in better service delivery and quality of life for people living with dementia.
“When people living with dementia receive care from professionals that have completed dementia education, fewer incidences of changed behaviour are experienced.”
“We know from our work and broad consultation with people living with dementia, their families and carers, that if we get quality care right for people living with dementia then there will be quality care for all.
“Dementia Australia looks forward to continuing consultation with the government on these important reforms and particularly the ongoing development of the National Dementia Action Plan which we anticipate will be a key measure in the next budget,” Ms Emerson said.
For dementia support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
