Dementia

Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) Dementia draft Program Guidelines

The EACH D draft Program Guidelines are now part of the Draft Community Packaged Care Guidelines

Dementia is a growing health and social issue. Dementia currently affects around 185,000 Australians and this figure is expected to grow as our population ages. Although only about 1% of people aged 65 show symptoms of dementia, this increases to around 25% of people aged over 85.

The Australian Government continues to respond to the need to focus on the issues associated with dementia in our society in several ways. Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments currently provide a wide range of services to support people with dementia, their families and carers.

In recognition of its significance, the 2005 Federal Budget initiative - Helping Australians with dementia, and their carers - making dementia a National Health Priority (the Dementia Initiative) has made available $320.6 million for a range of dementia supports and services.

This includes a total of $225.1 million to provide 2,000 Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) Dementia packages over four years.

The first three years of operation of EACH Dementia packages (2006 to 2008) are being designated a "developmental period" and during this period, these Guidelines will remain in draft form. This will allow for modification of the Program in the light of the experience and feedback of Approved Providers, care recipients, carers, Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs), and other key stakeholders.

These guidelines are a valuable tool that will assist in the provision and operation of EACH Dementia packages.

The Draft Community Packaged Care Guidelines provides a complete guide to Australian Government funded Packaged Care Programs. This document explains the Australian Government’s policy and operational context for the Packaged Care Programs including the responsibilities for approved providers under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) and the Aged Care Principles (the Principles), which govern the operation of the following Packaged Care Programs:

Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs);
Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH); and
Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD).
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