PDF printable version of $1.65 Million for New Specialist Dementia Centre for 90 Wollongong People (PDF 18 KB)
17 July 2008
The Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, with the Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, today visited the site where a new dementia day-care centre will be constructed in Fairy Meadow to service up to 90 people a week, which is double the current capacity.
The centre has received $1.65 million in joint funding provided by the Australian and NSW Government through the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program.
“This is part of a plan of more than $11 million to build, extend or renovate HACC day care centres throughout NSW,” Mrs Elliot said.
“The rising prevalence of dementia in Australia requires a greater response from governments at all levels, and the Rudd Government is committed to doing more to support people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird said that the centre would support and provide better care for people living with dementia and their carers in the Illawarra-Wollongong region where there is a current demand for such services.
“The current facility provides services to 45 people a week with a waiting list of 60 people. The new facility will allow the services to extend for up to 90 people a week.
“For those living with dementia and their carers in our region who are in need of support, this new day care centre will provide the additional support that is needed,” Ms Bird said.
“As well as investing in the development of new dementia support centres, the Australian Government has also committed $320 million over five years for the Dementia Initiative which supports new dementia research, early intervention and support programs and training for the aged care workforce.” Mrs Elliot said.
Mrs Elliot and Ms Bird thanked Anglicare for their contribution to the development of the new dementia day-care centre.
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of several illnesses which can cause a gradual decline in someone’s mental processes – affecting the ability to remember, think and learn.
Currently, more than 73,000 people living with dementia in NSW alone, and the number is expected to double over the next 20 years.
Media contact: Minister Elliot’s Office 02 6277 7280
Sharon Birds Office 02 4228 5899
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