Dementia Australia welcomes the announcement by the Andrews Government that an additional 5,000 carers in Victoria will be able to access 100,000 hours of respite each year.
Dementia Australia CEO Ms Maree McCabe said that the role of a carer is often critical for a loved one with dementia to continue to live in the community and is becoming increasingly important as dementia prevalence rates continue to rise.
"There are an estimated 115,000 Victorian now living with dementia. This number is projected to increase to more than 300,000 by 2058," Ms McCabe said.
"Nationwide there is an estimated 1.5 million people involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
"These figures highlight the increasing need to support our carers, who form a vital component of our overall health care infrastructure, yet are often unrecognised or acknowledged.
"Carers provide an integral role in the care of vulnerable Australians, with their caring roles being valued at $60.3 billion annually – more than $1 billion per week.
"Dementia Australia provides essential support to carers and people living with dementia in the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, as well as at every stage along the way, to help people better understand and manage the condition, its progression and how to live well with dementia."
The respite announced is part of package for carers that includes transport concessions and grants for initiatives to support carers, worth some $50 million.
The Victorian Carer Strategy 2018-2022 can be found at https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/news/victorian-carer-strategy-2018-2022
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