Dementia project to commence
Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales (NSW) and Palliative Care NSW have joined forces to help family and community carers of people with dementia to better plan ahead for end of life care.
Federal Ageing Minister, Justine Elliot, announced that Palliative Care NSW and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW were successful in securing a Local Palliative Care Grant to conduct the project, Concluding the Dementia Journey.
The project will involve the development of a set of materials that include information on advanced care directives, as well as guides about practical aspects of dementia end of life care.
President of Palliative Care NSW, Peter Cleasby, said the project was targeted towards the general community and non-professional community care providers.
“Many in our community are unaware that palliative and end of life care is important for persons with dementia and those who care for them,” Mr Cleasby said.
“Good palliative care and planning ahead can help ease some of the stress and worry at a very difficult time.”
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW chief executive officer, John Watkins, said he was pleased to be working with Palliative Care NSW to develop these much-needed resources for carers and families.
“These materials will make a difference to carers and families to plan ahead and make informed decisions about care,” he said.
“Dementia is now the third leading cause of death in Australia, and, with the population ageing, the number of people affected by this fatal disease is only going to increase.
“That is why it is important we provide as much assistance as we can to help the growing numbers of people navigate this, at times, difficult journey.”
The Local Palliative Care Grants Program is a component of the National Palliative Care Program.
