Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) is advocating the ongoing outstanding work of Dementia Australia during this week’s Dementia Action Week 2021 (September 20-26).
More than 470,000 Australians are living with dementia with a further 1.6 million people caring for them.
Around 70 per cent of people with dementia live in the community and more than two-thirds of aged care residents have moderate or severe cognitive impairment.
Dementia care is a major issue with dementia being the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the leading cause of death in women.
“LASA and our valued members care deeply about providing high quality and safe care for people living with dementia,” LASA CEO Sean Rooney says.
“Our members are highly motivated to explore ways of improving the everyday lives of aged care residents and home care recipients who are living with dementia.
“There is the personal attention that cares for and supports people, and there are buildings designed to assist people with dementia so that they are in a familiar environment.
“There is also music therapy and the presence of pets that can bring a smile to their day.
“We are supporting Dementia Australia, with ‘A little support makes a big difference’.”
Dementia Australia has conducted research that identified and reinforced that discrimination experienced by people living with dementia and carers is – and continues to be – very real, with lasting impacts.
Regrettably, some people living with dementia and their carers experience prejudice that can lead to social isolation, loneliness and poor mental health.
LASA believes Dementia Australia’s wealth of knowledge and experience demonstrates the meaningful ways the lives of people living with dementia and their carers can be improved.
“Kindness is the inspiration for people living with dementia and their carers,” Rooney says.
“Access to high quality and safe dementia care is a critical part of aged care services.
“In its final report, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, said dementia care should be ‘core business’ for care providers, particularly in residential aged care.
“People living with dementia should be given opportunities to do things on their own, so they can retain some independence and self confidence.”
