STRONGER TOGETHER
ENSURING QUALITY DEMENTIA CARE IS A FOCUS OF AGED CARE REFORM SPECIALISED CARE AND DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE
A
chieving quality dementia care is one of Dementia Australia’s strategic priorities. While many of the key priorities in Dementia Australia’s Roadmap for Quality Dementia Care have been supported by Government through the current aged care reform process and the 2021 Federal Budget, there is still much to be done. Dementia Australia is calling for support of three crucial initiatives outlined in our 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, which build on existing measures designed to deliver quality care and inclusion for people living with dementia.
Another one of the initiatives outlined in our submission is the need to ensure quality dementia care extends to the delivery of a National Dementia Palliative Care Program, which will provide specialist dementia palliative care. A national program can be established through the expansion of Dementia Australia’s Nightingale Program. Dementia Australia’s Nightingale Program, established in 2016, is a unique and innovative nurse-led model of palliative care. It is the only specialist dementia palliative care program in Australia, providing dementia-specific education and clinical support to people living with dementia, their families and carers in South Australia.
The first initiative is compulsory dementia education for the The program was originally developed to improve planning aged care workforce through an investment in training and opportunities and early access to a palliative approach to education programs and tools. With more than two-thirds of aged care residents living with a moderate to severe cognitive impairment, dementia education and training is critical. Although funding was allocated to aged care workforce education as part of the Government’s response to the Aged Care Royal Commission’s recommendations, more is required to ensure that all aged care workers are appropriately educated and supported to provide quality dementia care. Dementia-Friendly Communities encourage inclusivity and facilitate access to different experiences. Continued on page 30
29
