Next steps towards more Dementia-Friendly Communities in Victoria
Dementia Advocates Natalie Ive, Mithrani Mahadeva, Michelle Dalton, Joe Coppi and Daniela Kotevski discussed the path towards more dementia-friendly communities at a Parliamentary Friends of Dementia (PFOD) Roundtable event at Parliament House Victoria.
Dementia-Friendly Communities National Manager Belinda Curtis chaired the roundtable with the support of Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-convenors Tim Richardson MP and Annabelle Cleeland MP.
Throughout the discussions, the members committed to organising a number of forums to look at ways to improve communication with and inspire local councils to be more involved.
They all agreed, as a minimum, to take on the challenge to have all Victorian members signed up as a Dementia Friend and to include the National Dementia Helpline on their merchandise and appropriate resources.
There was a lot of interest and comment on the tech showcase delivered last month and many were interested in ensuring the tech was available at future forums.
There was also lengthy discussion around information and support for carers and the need for appropriate education of aged and health care staff.
From here Dementia Australia will draft a two-year PFOD Action Plan and send to the co-convenors for feedback, working towards a release date to implement the plan.
After the event Sonia Kilkenny MP, ALP Member for Carrum, Minister for Planning, Minister for the Suburbs requested further information and discussed issues with Dementia Advocate Mithrani Mahadeva.
Congratulations to all involved in a constructive and engaging roundtable event!