Greater Support for Younger Australians With Dementia
Thousands of people living with younger onset dementia will receive vital support thanks to a $16.8 million investment by the Australian Government.
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20 March 2013
Thousands of people living with younger onset dementia will receive vital support thanks to a $16.8 million investment by the Gillard Labor Government.
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the funding will be provided to Alzheimer’s Australia for the National Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker program.
“Many people with younger onset dementia and their families struggle to navigate a service system they hadn’t previously expected to need for decades,” Mr Butler said.
“This program will give people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers a primary point of contact to help them find services like community based care and social support.”
Alzheimer’s Australia will recruit around 40 people nation-wide under the program with a national recruitment drive.
“We’re looking for 40 extraordinary Australians driven by a passion to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Butler said.
Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Glenn Rees said the key worker will be a primary contact for a person throughout their journey with dementia, providing information and advice from the initial point of contact.
“This new and innovative program will enable younger people with dementia to access better coordinated care and support,” Mr Rees said.
“Support will be individualised and person-centred, which will also help to improve the quality of life for people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.”
Mr Butler said the initiative was funded under the Australian Government’s $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms, which included $23.6 million over five years to improve support for people with younger onset dementia.
The younger onset dementia key worker positions are being advertised on www.seek.com.au in all states and territories across Australia.
There are about 24,400 people in Australia aged under 65 with younger onset dementia, out of a total 321,600 Australians of all ages estimated to be living with dementia. About 1.2 million Australians are caring for someone with dementia.
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500
An interpreter service is available at the Alzheimer’s Australia website
(The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
For more information contact the Minister’s office on 02 6277 7280
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