Dementia Australia welcomes the Australian Capital Territory Government's budget announcement to spend additional funds on palliative care services and improved infrastructure for acute aged care.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said it was excellent to see the investment of $2 million in palliative care services, as part of a $6 million investment over four years.
"Dementia is the leading cause of death among Australian women and the second leading cause of death for Australians overall," Ms McCabe said.
"Access to high quality palliative care assists people with a terminal condition, including dementia, to live and die well, as well as to ensure their carers, family and friends are supported with any decisions they need to make."
Dementia Australia also acknowledges the Australian Capital Territory Government's allocation of $9 million to improved infrastructure for acute aged care and cancer inpatients.
"Greater investment in acute aged care in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia will result in improved quality of life for people living with dementia and decrease the length of stay in hospitals," Ms McCabe said.
There is an estimated 5,932 people living with dementia in the Australian Capital Territory. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase to an estimated 8,447 people by 2028 and 18,851 people by 2058.
"We look forward to continuing our work with the Australian Capital Territory Government to ensure people living with dementia, their families and carers are receiving the best, quality dementia care."
For all Australian Capital Territorians local support and information is available for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers at www.dementia.org.au or via the National Dementia Helpline by free-calling 1800 100 500.
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.
