The continued investment into the aged care sector announced by the Government in tonight's Federal Budget is an essential step in fulfilling the recommendations by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
A year on since the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's Final Report: Care, Dignity and Respect and now into the third year of the pandemic, extra and ongoing pressures are being placed on the health and aged care systems.
The additional $468.3m announced in tonight's budget including measures announced earlier this week for aged care demonstrates an ongoing commitment by the government to respond to the Royal Commission.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM reiterated the need for maintaining the momentum and focus on aged care, especially in relation to the aged care workforce issues, including dementia education.
"A robust aged care system is essential to provide a guarantee of quality care to people living with dementia," Ms McCabe said.
"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.
"As we turn towards the election, while the pandemic will continue to present significant challenges across society, we must work with all parties and sectors to ensure providing better care for people living with dementia now and into the future remains a priority."
For the sector to deliver quality dementia care as a consistent and integral part of aged care, we must continue to support our workforce, strengthen their knowledge and skills and develop practice leaders and mentors.
Dementia Australia is calling for support of three crucial initiatives to build on existing measures designed to deliver quality care and inclusion for people living with dementia.
The three initiatives, outlined in Dementia Australia's Delivering on the Roadmap for Quality Dementia Care, are focused on the introduction of compulsory dementia education for aged care workers, the establishment of a national dementia palliative care program and renewed funding for the award-winning Dementia-Friendly Communities program.
"Dementia Australia looks forward to continuing this conversation with the government to plan ahead for the next 5-10 years," Ms McCabe said.
"Together we must keep dementia front of mind."
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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