Alzheimer’s NSW celebrates 30 years
Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales recently celebrated its 30th year of serving people living with dementia, their carers and families. The Hon. John Watkins, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, said it was an important milestone and thanked the many people who had worked hard over the 30 years, including the countless volunteers.
Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales recently celebrated its 30th year of serving people living with dementia, their carers and families.
The Hon. John Watkins, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, said it was an important milestone and thanked the many people who had worked hard over the 30 years, including the countless volunteers.
“We have grown from a public meeting of 500 people in 1982 with donations collected in a shoebox to an organisation with a workforce of more than 100 serving people in need across NSW,” Mr Watkins said.
“Dementia affects memories, lives, relationships and futures and we remember the many touched by this illness who have lived each day with courage and determination.
“We have come a long way in the past 30 years, but there is much more to do,” he said.
There are already more than 100,000 people with dementia in NSW, with numbers expected to grow in the next 40 years.
“The number of people living with dementia, which is already the third leading cause of death in Australia, is estimated to triple by 2050, which will have a huge impact on our health and care system,” Mr Watkins said.
Dementia is expected to become the third greatest source of health and residential aged care spending within two decades.
“By the 2060s, spending on dementia is set to outstrip that of any other health condition.
“We remain committed to working towards a world without dementia and, until then, we will continue working to ensure that those living with dementia, their families and carers are able to live with the best quality of life possible, with appropriate care and support.”
