Update from the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
Hi Everyone,
It is hard to believe that we are racing towards the end of the year – it seems like yesterday when we were heading into 2024.
Recently, Dementia Australia presented their submission on the new Aged Care Bill 2024 to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee and I had the opportunity to present my perspectives as a person living with dementia. I congratulate Dementia Australia’s Policy team on their very thorough paper, drawn up in discussion with the DAAC and other Dementia Advocates.
My personal input at the hearing was to give examples of some of the differences between normal ageing and ageing with dementia, including the many challenges faced by those of us living with dementia and those who care for us. Hopefully this gave the committee additional insight into our differing needs. The members of the committee were respectful and appeared interested, taking copious notes during our presentation.
The DAAC met for our annual face-to-face meeting last week. We meet monthly but generally online, so this was an opportunity for us to develop our skills and have more in-depth discussions than can be achieved in our shorter regular meetings. We welcomed our two newer members, Russ Martin and Lil Mirtl, who have joined us this year and who have not met all our members face to face.
I am looking forward to catching up with many of you at the next Dementia Advocate’s online drop-in meeting.
Don’t forget, if you have any news or queries, please feel free to contact me or other members of the DAAC on our email DAAC@dementia.org.au. We are always pleased to hear from you.
Until the next time.
Bobby Redman
Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee