Dementia peak body welcomes $13.5 million pledge
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Liberal National Coalition pledging $13.5 million towards research, early intervention, support and awareness raising for Victorians living with dementia, their families and carers.
The Victorian Liberal National Coalition's pledge of $13.5 million towards dementia research and early intervention is of even more importance during the process of transformation to aged care.
“With about 78,000 Victorians living with dementia, it is essential that all governments commit to protecting the interests of people living with dementia,” says Neil Samuel, chair Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.
“It is of even more importance during the process of transformation of the aged care system and the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will occur over the next few years.
“All Victorians, of all ages, need an assurance that there will be no gaps when it comes to meeting the needs of people living with dementia, their families and carers, despite the bureaucratic changes ahead.
“If the Coalition is re-elected these funds would assist in the further development of specialist, dementia care services for all Victorians,” Mr Samuel says.
The focus on research would enable Melbourne’s world renowned dementia research scientists to better target the federally funded $200 million dollars already committed to dementia research over the next five years.
“Making services and the system more accessible to assist with early diagnosis, increased support and awareness raising through education and information programs, would go a long way towards making a difference to the lives of all people impacted by dementia.
“In particular, a focus through new programs and resources, on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous communities would be welcomed to address the specific and growing needs of these communities.
“Dementia is everybody’s business and we look forward to commitments from all parties demonstrating their support for all Victorian living with this major health challenge,” he says.
