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Dementia Australia has welcomed an extension of three and a half months to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and a further 6,100 home care packages announced by the federal government.

Australian research fellowship fuelled by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to kick dementia research in to gear

08 July, 2020

Wednesday 8 July 2020 Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE’s Race Against Dementia charity and the Dementia Australia Research Foundation today announced the launch of a new Australian dementia research fellowship. The ‘Race Against Dementia – Dementia Australia Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship’ programme will support two early career researchers in the field of dementia prevention or treatment.

Dementia peak body welcomes Serious Incident Response Scheme to protect senior Australians

16 June, 2020

Dementia Australia has welcomed the introduction of a Serious Incident Response Scheme by the federal government to protect vulnerable and senior Australians from abuse and neglect. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the scheme is an important step in helping to keep people living with dementia safe.

Australians urged to be on alert for elder abuse, with concerns more people living with dementia at risk

15 June, 2020

Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Dementia Australia is urging all Australians to know the warning signs of elder abuse and to be alert to vulnerable Australians, including people who live with dementia. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said elder abuse is a serious issue that is likely to have become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

09 June, 2020

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.

Dementia peak body welcomes funding to improve palliative care

30 May, 2020

Dementia Australia has welcomed an announcement by the federal government to invest $57.2 million to improve palliative care in aged care facilities across Australia. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the funding announcement coincides with the beginning of National Palliative Care Week.

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

28 May, 2020

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

13 May, 2020

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

18 May, 2020

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

12 May, 2020

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

01 May, 2020

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

30 April, 2020

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.