Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia is again joining broader calls for the government to implement national mandatory dementia education for the aged care workforce.
Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe said that ensuring the aged care workforce is trained with skills that respond to the needs of people living with dementia, their families and carers is of vital importance to the quality of care provided to the growing number of Australians living with dementia.
"As the prevalence of dementia increases in our community, it is critical that all aged care services and other professionals working in the sector are well-equipped and supported to provide the best possible care for Australians living with dementia," Ms McCabe said.
"Throughout the Royal Commission, staffing has been raised as an issue. This includes for people living with dementia from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those living with complex needs.
"A key recommendation within the newly released Human Rights Watch report Fading Away, echoes our call for mandatory training for all aged care staff to support the needs of people living with dementia.
"We know that the demands on the aged care workforce are changing all the time as the care needs of older Australians increase in complexity.
"That is why Dementia Australia is calling for mandatory dementia education, supported by an appropriate staffing and skills mix and in sufficient numbers, to be implemented. This must be accompanied by strong leadership and an organisational culture that promotes the delivery of person-centred, high quality care for people with dementia.
"The aged care workforce is the key enabler to a successful aged care system. Further supporting and strengthening our aged care workforce will better support Australians living with dementia now and in the years ahead," Ms McCabe said.
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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.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 Interpreter service available (The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative) Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au
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