The Dementia in Australia 2021 report is the first of its kind in almost 10 years. Prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it shows how the impact of dementia in seniors is growing in Australia.
To coincide with Dementia Action Week (20 – 26 September), a new report into dementia is now available to help bring awareness and encourage people to learn more about making life easier for folks living with this issue.
The Dementia in Australia 2021 report provides a comprehensive picture of dementia and its impacts on Australia’s health and aged care systems, as well as recent developments in dementia research and policy. Funding for further research will also be stated in this report moving forward.
The report also includes personal insights from people living with dementia, and those who support them in their daily lives. The experiences of these people are nuanced and different, and in publishing this report, the Australian government hopes to shed light on the fact that this is a very real, and very difficult issue.
Up to 472,000 Australians are living with dementia. Australia’s ageing population means this number is projected to more than double by 2058.
Dementia in seniors is now the 3rd leading cause of disease burden in Australia.
The Australian Government is investing $229.4 million to improve care and services for people living with dementia.
Key measures include:
- Training for more than 3,000 personal care workers to become dementia leaders within their organisations and additional training places for 1,000 GPs and GP registrars each year
- An increase in early support services such as counselling and education to around 30,000 people living with dementia at home so they can remain independent
- Increased availability of respite places.
The Dementia in Australia 2021 report was prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Original story found on the Australian Government Department of Health website. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
