Memory van for Adelaide

Posted September 1st 2006

by DPS

South Australians who are concerned about dementia and memory problems can now get expert help through a new service launched in Glenside this week by the Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro.

“This new South Australian Dementia and Memory Centre is the latest addition to a national network which is proving to be enormously successful in reaching people who have memory concerns,” Senator Santoro said.

The centre has been established with initial funding of $270,000 to Alzheimer’s Australia SA, which will operate the service and provide information, advice and referrals.

“The centre also has taken an imaginative approach by establishing a distinctive Memory Van, a mobile service that will provide a greater reach, getting the word out about memory and dementia,” Senator Santoro said. “The van will be able to visit shopping centres, schools, retirement communities, libraries, services clubs and the like in both metropolitan and regional areas.”

Dementia and Memory Centres supported by the Howard Government now operate in each state and territory. Many offer a range of information, conduct seminars and workshops, have a reading library, and provide counselling and other support services.

“The Government is fully aware of the challenges posed by dementia, and its effect on the whole population,” Senator Santoro said. “Currently, about 200,000 Australians have dementia. The condition is expected soon to overtake depression as the leading cause of disability in Australia.

“The centres are an important part of the Howard Government’s response to the challenge of dementia. They also build upon other recent funding announcements, including $7 million to kick-start a national collaborative dementia research effort and $1.12 million to support 41 community-based dementia support and education projects.”

The Government is providing nearly $11 million over five years to establish centres across the country as a part of its 2005-06 Budget commitment of $320.6 million over five years to make dementia a national health priority.