Dementia Australia welcomes the $8 million investment by the Albanese Government to expand the delivery of innovative respite support programs for Australians living with dementia and their carers.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said high-quality respite services are vital to maintaining the wellbeing of carers and those living with dementia.
“We know from consultation with people living with dementia, their families and carers that access to both planned and emergency respite services remains a challenge,” Professor Buchanan said.
“We need respite services that are appropriate for people living with dementia and delivered by care staff who have the right skills and knowledge to provide quality dementia care.
“Regular access to respite care for carers is vital. It can prevent burnout, reduce stress and improve the quality of care provided to people living with dementia.
“With the growing prevalence of dementia – in 2024 it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia and this is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054 – it is imperative that respite services meet the needs of carers and people living with dementia and that we support informal carers to sustain their caring role.”
As part of the investment, eight new grants have been awarded to providers including carer education and wellbeing programs in Western Australia and innovative respite care programs and planning in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Australian Capital Territory.
“For more information on respite services, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 – we are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” Professor Buchanan said.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
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Media contacts: Gabrielle Prabhu, Media & Communications Manager, 0447 253 583 or Gabrielle.Prabhu@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
