A major dementia peak body is calling on everyone to get involved in the recently opened public consultation for the brand new National Dementia Action Plan that is set to shape the future of how the Australian, State and Territory Governments support people with dementia.
The National Dementia Action Plan contains seven objectives aimed at improving dementia care and embedding it in Australia’s health and aged care sectors, including tackling stigma and discrimination, building workforce capability, and improving treatment options.
People with lived experience of dementia, their families and carers will be at the centre of the ten-year plan (2023-33) to ensure that person-centred dementia support can be delivered.
Its development was led by Dementia Australia, who provided key stakeholder input alongside Carers Australia, academics, clinicians and specialists.
Dementia Australia Chief Operating Officer (COO), Anthony Boffa, said he hoped to see plenty of community input into the public consultation process.
“We know that there are up to half a million Australians living with dementia – which is projected to increase to 1.1 million people by 2058, so we welcome the Government’s focus on ensuring the contribution of people living with dementia, their families and carers is central to the Action Plan from the outset,” said Mr Boffa.
“Through creating the Action Plan, the Government is demonstrating a commitment to developing a more coordinated approach to dementia risk reduction, early diagnosis and improvements to services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.”
Seen as the first step in providing a suite of national objectives, the Action Plan has outlined several proposed outcomes and actions for the next decade, including the formation of National Dementia Education Standards and new dementia-friendly design standards for residential aged care.
Improving dementia education and training for health professionals, increasing the capacity of diagnostic services, and making specialist dementia care services more accessible are other possible outcomes mentioned in the consultation paper following stakeholder input.
Currently, the consultation process is open to a wide range of people with lived experience of dementia, including:
The deadline for public input is 31 January, 2023.
Mr Boffa said Dementia Australia will continue to work closely with the Government to ensure the Action Plan is delivered in the most impactful way possible.
“When delivered, the Action Plan will be fully funded and provide a clear vision for the future where all Australians understand dementia and all people living with all forms of dementia and their carers have quality of life, and that no one is left to experience dementia alone,” said Mr Boffa.
For those interested in participating and providing feedback, more information is available here.
