May 01, 2019

People living with dementia and carers power up to call for leaders to make dementia a priority

In the lead up to the federal election, people living with dementia and carers are asking all Australians to call on their local Members of Parliament and candidates to make dementia a priority in their visions for Australia.

Dementia Australia Chair Prof Graeme Samuel AC said the prevalence of dementia is growing exponentially and Australia needs decisive action and national investment to ensure the outcomes for people living with dementia are adequately considered.

“People living with dementia and carers and anyone in the community who has been impacted, have the most powerful voice during election campaigns,” Prof Samuel said.

“We are encouraging the community to share their experiences and join in our call for a commitment of $30 million from the federal government to create an inclusive future where all people impacted by dementia receive the care and support they need and deserve.

“As a result of extensive consultation with the community, we know the priorities for people living with dementia are timely and appropriate diagnosis and support, quality dementia care standards that are person-centred, and the need to reduce discrimination.”

To enable anyone to engage their local candidates this election, Dementia Australia has developed a campaign action pack with tips on how to:

  • Arrange a meeting with your local candidates.
  • Call or write to your respective candidate.
  • Engage them in conversation at an event or when they come door knocking.
  • Contact them via social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Call your local talkback radio station.

Isabelle Burke, dementia advocate, daughter and care partner said, “We have to remember that we’re not just keeping people alive for as long as possible, we’re keeping them alive with a great quality of life with rewarding experiences, enriching their lives as much as possible and allowing them to do things for as long as possible.”

Dennis Frost, dementia advocate, living with dementia, said, “I have found some people’s reaction to my condition to be near destructive, eroding my ability and desire to go out into the community.”

“During the election period, every action and every conversation makes a difference to reducing stigma and moving towards better care for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia,” Ms McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia said.

“With the focus on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety coinciding with the election the most important thing is to take advantage of this occasion and have your say.”

Get involved in our campaign to engage political candidates this election. Check out our action pack here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Construction begins on Australia’s first dementia village

The first sod was turned this week on the Korongee dementia village in Glenorchy, Tasmania, marking the start of an innovative new approach in Australia to caring for those who are living with dementia. Korongee village reflects the current global drive to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia. The village is... Read More

Dementia care that’s making a difference in Queensland

It’s estimated that more than half of people living with dementia in residential aged care will experience dementia-related wandering, and with the risks even greater for those living in the community, Anglicare Southern Queensland is part of the team working to reduce negative outcomes. Read More

Digital walls bring delight to aged care

Bright colours, moving shapes and interactive screens: the Lumes digital wall brought joy to a paediatric hospital. Seeing the sheer elation such an innovation could bring, Bolton Clarke had an idea. Could this work in aged care? Using principles of dementia design, Bolton Clarke partnered with Lumes to develop content to reach residents living with... Read More
Advertisement