A new program to assist people living with dementia access vital support services and information is being trialled in Perth – one of just two dementia-specific trial sites in Australia. The Dementia Care Navigator Trial, delivered by Dementia Australia, aims to provide tailored information to identify and connect clients with appropriate support and services.
The Dementia Care Navigator Trial is part of the Aged Care Navigators Trial led by COTA Australia and funded by the Federal Government.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said people living with dementia, their families and carers report that accessing support services early improves their understanding of dementia, their relationships and planning for the future.
"When people get a diagnosis of dementia, it can be very confronting, but we know accessing support and services as early as possible can make an enormous and life-changing difference.
"However, navigating through the dementia and aged care services available by themselves can be confusing and difficult.
"As well, everyone's needs are different.
"Having a dedicated support person who can provide tailored information and help navigate what can be a very complex system to get to the right services, is so important."
The trial includes a support person, an Information Hub and regular seminars, all open to people living with dementia, their families and carers in the Greater Perth region plus telephone support to those living in regional areas of the state.
The Dementia Care Navigator Trial is based at the Dementia Australia Perth office, which has relocated to Shop 32/118 Royal Street, East Perth.
To make an appointment with the Dementia Care Navigator, or to find out about the Information Hub, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or go to dementia.org.au/support/services-and-programs/dementia-care-navigator
You can also find out about upcoming seminars here dementia.org.au/events/wa
The Aged Care Navigators Trial is testing different types of services and activities to help people
