The federal government has today announced Dementia Australia has been awarded more than $30 million in grants over a three-year period under the National Dementia Support Program to continue delivering services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Australia welcomed the announcement of their successful tender application and CEO Maree McCabe said the funding would enable the peak body to continue to provide crucial support to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
"While there is no cure for dementia, the right support, information and education can make a life-changing difference to people living with dementia and this funding enables us to continue to deliver vital services across Australia," Ms McCabe said.
"Every day our team provides support for people and communities across all cultures, backgrounds and locations, supporting people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their carers and families, and we are delighted we will be able to continue doing so for the next three years.
"We know through the feedback of people living with dementia, carers and families the services that work well. We also know what opportunities exist through our networks to respond to changes in demand, provide increased and earlier access to information and support, particularly to marginalised communities, and harness emerging technologies."
Ms McCabe also welcomed the additional funding announced today for the sector for capacity-building, innovation and pain management.
"This overall investment in dementia care and support is very welcome, as dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century," she said.
As part of the National Dementia Support Program funding, Dementia Australia will continue to operate the National Dementia Helpline – a vital information and support service.
There will also be an increased focus on increasing our reach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, and rural and regional communities; as well as continuing to deliver early intervention supports such as the successful Living with Dementia program; along with a new emphasis on innovation and technology.
Raising awareness of dementia and reducing stigma will be a key focus over the next three years, and initiatives such as Dementia Action Week 2019 (16-22 September), are a vital part of that effort.
"Our theme for Dementia Action Week 2019 is Dementia doesn't discriminate. Do you? and we are encouraging everybody to complete our survey so we can have a national and informed picture of discrimination and what it will take to shift these behaviours that impact people living with dementia, their carers and families," Ms McCabe said.
To find out what's happening for Dementia Action Week, visit dementia.org.au/dementia-action-week.
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.
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area
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