This applies to all those impacted by the disease. Not just the person living with the condition and their immediate carers but their friends, family and wider social network.  

 

An estimated 433,300 Australians are currently living with dementia with 1.7 million people involved in their care. It is the single greatest cause of disability in Australians aged over 65. Aside from the significant personal impact, the financial cost is currently estimated to be $15 billion, increasing to a predicted $36.8 billion in 2056.

 

In response to the biggest challenge facing the aged care sector, Uniting AgeWell developed its Dementia Care and Support Strategy and Framework. This combines research, clinical knowledge, service provision expertise as well as the viewpoints of both clients and carers.  It encompasses training for staff, help for families and carers and holistic care for those with dementia.

 

Dementia care is an important aspect to all Uniting AgeWell services. Every individual living with dementia has their own needs and experiences which involve relationships with families, carers with connection to place and community. For organisations working on the front line in both residential and home and community settings, the reality of supporting and improving the lives of people with dementia and their families, is a complex and evolving environment.

 

The Dementia Framework lays out the six areas where dementia care objectives need to be achieved: quality of life; dignity and rights, meaningful activity, evidence-based care, communication and accountability. The pathways to care include dementia friendly environments, lifestyle and psychosocial programs and clinical care.  

 

 

Uniting AgeWell’s Director of Dementia Care, Karen Cameron says, “We are constantly reminded that dementia is a disease and not a normal part of ageing. With any disease, we need to understand how it is affecting the person and what they need from those around them.”

 

Helping steer this implementation is the Dementia Working Group, made up of about 16 people – including Karen – from various teams including home and residential care, Infrastructure, People and Culture, Quality Control and the Director of Mission Reverend Clare Brockett.

 

This group is also informed by the Customer Advisory Body, which is made up of home care customers as well as residents from various residential aged care sites.  

 

Karen recently provided an insight into the roll out the Dementia Framework to the Customer Advisory Body, who gave their support.

 

Karen also stresses the importance of Uniting AgeWell working with key partners: 

To read more about dementia care at Uniting AgeWell click on the links below: