Dementia Australia's Centre for Dementia Learning has today launched 'Better Banking for people with dementia' - a new online education program for banks and the financial sector to learn about the impact of dementia and how to provide improved services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Australia Chair and former Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Professor Graeme Samuel AC said Better Banking for people with dementia is an invaluable education program everyone in the Australian financial sector should undertake.
"Better banking for people living with dementia requires only one hour to complete yet provides a comprehensive overview of dementia and advice on how to better meet the financial needs of people living with dementia," Professor Samuel said.
"With an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia in 2020 and numbers on the rise, now is the time for banks and the financial sector to learn about dementia and how to best serve customers impacted by the disease."
Better banking for people living with dementia is a simple to use online program with interactive videos, quizzes, clickable graphics and flashcards, all designed to effectively engage and educate.
Extensive research and development was undertaken in creating the program including consultation with Australians living with dementia and their carers, Bendigo Bank, Victoria Police and The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO, Age Discrimination Commissioner.
Marnie Baker, Managing Director Bendigo Bank said Better Banking for people with dementia has been tested by Bendigo Bank staff with overwhelmingly positive feedback to-date.
"The increasing number of Australians living with dementia deserve financial services provided by staff that are knowledgeable, understanding and compassionate towards their needs," said Ms Baker.
"Better Banking for people with dementia enhances the education and support Bendigo Bank staff have and creates the dementia-friendly experience our customers should expect."
For enquires about purchasing access to Better Banking for people with dementia please contact the Centre for Dementia Learning on 1300 DEMENTIA (1300 336 368) or via email.
Dementia Australia wishes to thank Bendigo Bank for its support of the development of Better Banking for people with dementia.
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 459,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia's services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
