Details on NDIS Changes Awaited
Dementia Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s $200 million investment aimed at enhancing dementia care across the country. Announced on 22nd April, the funding will be used to establish 20 new Specialist Dementia Care Programme units and expand the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program.
The initiative includes the reclassification of showering, dressing, and continence management as clinical care under Support at Home. This ensures that these services are fully covered for older Australians, responding to community feedback.
Dr Kaele Stokes, Executive Director of Services, Engagement and Research at Dementia Australia, emphasised, “We cannot have people living with dementia avoiding accessing support for personal care because of cost.”
An estimated 446,500 Australians live with dementia, with two-thirds residing in the community. This makes support for essential personal care tasks like showering crucial.
Dementia Australia also supports the government’s response to community feedback by reclassifying certain home care services. Although challenges remain in areas like respite and social support, the reclassification represents an important change in home care design.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to rise to over one million by 2065, increasing the demand for comprehensive care solutions. Dr Stokes pointed out that people with dementia are particularly affected by the high demand for limited care placements.
Following the investment announcement, Dementia Australia plans to examine the broader changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to understand their impact on individuals with young onset dementia.
Dr Stokes expressed concern about the new eligibility arrangements, emphasizing the need for reforms to accommodate the unique progression of young onset dementia. She stated, “Dementia Australia recognises the Government’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS scheme.”
It remains crucial that the new eligibility rules do not disadvantage those with young onset dementia, where functional capacity can fluctuate over time.
Dementia Australia is committed to working with the government to ensure that reforms reflect the specific needs of those affected by dementia. Further consultations are expected as details of the NDIS changes are clarified.
This investment arrives when the healthcare system faces pressure from an aging population. Ensuring adequate support and facilities for those with dementia will be vital in managing future demands.
