Better health and ageing for all Australians

Dementia

Resources

Dementia resources: Framework for action, 'Know the signs", education and training, booklets.

In this section:

    National Framework for Action on Dementia

    The National Framework for Action on Dementia (the Framework) provides an overarching vision for Australia’s dementia care and support systems, with clear principles and objectives that are supported by all Australian Governments.

    On 7 April 2006, Australian Health Ministers jointly endorsed the Framework. Australian Health Ministers led the development of the Framework working with Australian Community Services and Aged Care Ministers. The Framework has provided an opportunity to create a strategic, collaborative and cost-effective response to dementia across Australia.

    Australian Health Ministers have identified five key priority areas for inclusion in the Framework: care and support; access and equity; information and education; research; and workforce and training. These priority areas are fundamental to the quality of life of people with dementia and have the potential to yield the greatest benefits from the adoption of a national approach.

    The Framework was developed in consultation with people with dementia, their carers and families, the peak bodies that represent them, key stakeholders, and service providers. It represents a shared national vision for action on dementia.

    In January 2011, the Commonwealth on behalf of the Dementia Working Group engaged a consultant to undertake a review of the Framework.

    The Review comments on the effectiveness of the Framework and its relevance to State and Territory dementia action plans. The Review makes five recommendations, including the development of a second four-year framework which is scheduled to commence in 2012.

    The Dementia Working Group is currently considering the development of a second Framework.

    ‘Know the Signs’ of dementia

    On the 14 January 2011, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing the Hon Mark Butler MP launched a series of communication and education resources as part of the ‘Know the Signs’ Project which aim to:
    • Raise awareness of dementia;
    • Address some of the more common ‘myths’ about dementia;
    • Provide information about the early signs of dementia; and
    • Provide support and direction to people who are concerned about their memory or the memory of someone else.
    These materials include:
    • General – A3 poster;
    • General – brochure;
    • Younger Onset Dementia – A3 ;
    • Younger Onset Dementia – brochure;
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – A3 poster;
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – brochure;
    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse – A3 poster; and
    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse – brochure.
    It is recommended that these materials be displayed in:
    • Dementia and aged care facilities;
    • GP and Medical centres/surgeries;
    • Pharmacies;
    • Hospitals;
    • Community care and health centres;
    • Not for profit organisations;
    • Senior Citizens Clubs or similar; and
    • Work places.
    To order copies of these materials, at no cost please contact National Mailing and Marketing on (02) 6269 1080 or National Marketing and Mailing.

    Dementia education and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

    The Dementia Learning Resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a culturally specific training resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who aims to equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and community workers with the appropriate skills and information to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with dementia and their carers.

    To order Dementia Learning Resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities please contact National Mailing and Marketing on (02) 6269 1000 or National Marketing and Mailing.

    Dementia Booklets

    Living with Dementia - a booklet especially for people that have been diagnosed with dementia

    Dementia - The Caring Experience - a guide for families and carers of people with dementia

    Delirium in older people - this booklet is about Delirium, a term used to describe changes to thinking and behaviour that occur over a very short time

    Resources for Special Needs Groups

    A variety of resources are available to assist you in supporting people with dementia and their families from special needs groups including:

    1. Dementia Training Resource for People with Special Needs – CALD focus
    (Alzheimer’s Australia Inc.) Living with Dementia: A Vietnamese Family Story

    This project involved the development and piloting of training resources, in consultation with stakeholders, to support improved dementia awareness and care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The resources include a CD ROM containing the basic building block of the three areas of knowledge (dementia, communication and cross-cultural competence) taken from the Community Services Training Package, a hard copy version of the CD ROM, a workbook and optional assessment materials

    2. Dementia Training Resource for People with Special Needs – rural and remote access (Alzheimer’s Australia WA Inc.) Local Knowledge: A dementia care e-learning resource for rural and remote aged care workers

    This project involved the development and piloting of an e-learning training resource, in consultation with stakeholders, to support improved dementia awareness and care for people from rural and remote areas. This web/CD ROM based product allows rural and remote care workers and volunteers to undertake self-paced, on demand dementia care training.

    3. Dementia Training Resource for People with Special Needs – a focus on younger people (Alzheimer’s Australia ACT Inc.) 2 Young 4 Dementia - Meeting the Needs of People with Younger Onset Dementia

    This project involved the development and piloting of training resources to support improved dementia awareness and care for younger people with dementia, their carers and families. The training products include a DVD ROM, supporting manuals, worksheets and other guides that can be utilized in relevant work and care environments. Focus group input and case studies provide the basis of a DVD about young people who live with dementia.

    4. Dementia Training Resource for People with Special Needs – rural/remote, people living alone focus (Baptist Community Services ACT/NSW) Staying at home with dementia - how the environment, technology and you can help

    This project involved the development and piloting of training resources to assist care workers, volunteers, service providers and family carers of people with dementia who live alone at home. The resources include help sheets, posters, a brochure, DVD and web-based virtual tour of the Baptist Community Services Age Friendly Home. They provide information about options such as assistive technologies and equipment and environment adaptation and will allow people with dementia and people in rural and remote community’s easy access to educational information and on-line resources. The assistive technology house is located in Marsfield in Sydney; the house is complete and receiving visitors.

    5. Dementia Training Resource for People with Special Needs – CALD focus
    (Workplace Initiatives Learning Inc.) Strangers in a Strange Land

    This project involved the development of a CD ROM of interactive learning materials, with accompanying resource sheets, for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and will be designed with a particular understanding of the needs of older carers in mind.

    To order any of the Special Needs Products please contact National Mailing and Marketing on (02) 6269 1000 or National Marketing and Mailing.
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