Wandering recognised as a major issue for people with dementia and their family carers

Alzheimer’s Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot of measures to address concerns about people who go missing from aged care facilities.

Glenn Rees, national executive director of Alzheimer’s Australia, said that “the new reporting requirements may give helpful information on the extent of the problem and the need for additional measures to safeguard residents”.

“Alzheimer’s Australia is pleased that the Minister has recognised the importance of adequate staffing on every shift and good design of residential facilities,” he said.

“Without adequate numbers of well trained staff in residential facilities there can be no assurance of good quality dementia care or support for meaningful activities to keep residents socially engaged.

“Wandering is also a concern in respect of some people with dementia in the community. Over half the 230,000 of Australians with dementia live in the community and wandering is one of the major concerns that family carers may experience in caring for people with dementia in the community.”

He welcomed “the Minister’s willingness to consider a second measure – a symbol for cognitive impairment”.

“Alzheimer’s Australia is also looking at how devices using technology support individuals and the ethical issues that they may raise as part of a longer term strategy. While technology can not be a substitute for quality dementia care, it may be helpful with informed consent as a component of care.”