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ACT government’s first steps towards a dementia-friendly Canberra welcomed

Dementia Australia has welcomed the launch of the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) Age-Friendly City Plan, which includes a focus on some areas becoming dementia-friendly. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the focus of the Plan is on practical achievements that address the barriers older Canberrans have said they face in living free from abuse, staying mobile, remaining socially connected and having good access to services. 

Australians urged to keep the world open for people living with dementia

Dementia Australia has launched a new campaign urging all Australians to take a pledge to help keep the world open for people living with dementia, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic, but every day.  COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives. Familiar routines have stopped, people are feeling disconnected and anxious, but for most of us, once the crisis has passed we will be able to reconnect with family and friends and get back to normal routines.  For people living with dementia, living in isolation can be a reality all day, every day even under usual circumstances.

Free online dementia courses for aged care workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Free, short, online courses have been announced by the Centre for Dementia Learning, Dementia Australia to assist frontline aged care staff delivering care to people living with dementia during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said with recent changes and restrictions, aged care workers are more than ever, uniquely positioned to be observing new or changed behaviours in their clients and residents. 

Dementia Australia volunteers changing communities and lives

This National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18-24 May, Dementia Australia celebrates and thanks the more than 1,000 Dementia Australia volunteers who make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers.  Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said that this year’s theme is ‘Changing communities. Changing lives.’ and thanked Dementia Australia volunteers for their immeasurable impact on the broader community. 

Industry Code for visiting aged care homes released

The ‘Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19’ has been released by 13 aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations. The Code creates a nationally consistent approach that ensures residents can receive visitors while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19. The Code was finalised after public consultation with both consumers and aged care providers. It cements a human rights approach to care that both protects and respects aged care residents and their visitors. The Code acknowledges the work that providers and staff are doing to keep people safe during the pandemic.

Consultation on draft Aged Care Visitor Access Code

A Visitor Access Code to ensure a nationally consistent visitation policy to residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 crisis has today been released by aged care peaks and consumer advocacy organisations for consultation with the public. The Code aims to apply a compassionate and consistent visitor policy that continues to minimise the risk of COVID-19 while providing innovative on-site visiting solutions to maintain the mental health of residents.

Dementia peak body welcomes funding to support isolated older Australians during COVID-19 pandemic

Dementia Australia has welcomed an announcement by the federal government to provide $1 million in grants for community organisations to provide digital devices to older Australians through the Be Connected program. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said these grants will provide devices such as a laptop or iPad to up to 3500 older Australians who would otherwise be at risk of disconnecting during the pandemic.

New hotline for older Australians during COVID-19 pandemic launched

A new COVID-19 hotline will help older Australians get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic, providing an accessible one-stop source for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines. Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, National Seniors Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Dementia Australia have banded together, supported by the Commonwealth Government, to create the National COVID Older Persons Information Line. Older people and carers are encouraged to call 1800 171 866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a senior’s advocacy organisation.