ACSA Level One, 36 Albert Road, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 Tel: (03) 9686 3460
Media Release
September 1, 2009
Dementia report an urgent reminder to act - ACSA
Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) has applauded the release of the Access Economics
report – Keeping Dementia Front of Mind: Incidence and Prevalence 2009 – 2050 – commissioned by
Alzheimer’s Australia.
ACSA CEO Greg Mundy said the report highlighted the very real impact the epidemic of dementia is
having on health and aged care services now and its likely impact in the future. “The forecast growth in
the numbers of people suffering from dementia underscores the need for reform in aged care services,”
Mr Mundy said.
“The issues associated with caring for people with dementia also emphasize the need to increase
flexibility in how and where aged care services are provided.
“An earlier Access Economics report – Making Choices – has estimated a shortfall of 60,000 paid
workers to care for people with dementia within two decades. The aged care workforce is tireless in its
commitment to care and support older Australians but limited resources due to inadequate funding
mean it is difficult to attract and keep aged care workers.
” If we are to meet the needs of those with dementia, and other older people, Governments must invest
effectively and extensively in aged care services. Current funding levels are inadequate and that chasm
is set to widen as demands and costs grow. The compelling figures in the new Access Economics report
demonstrate that the provision of quality aged care can not be ignored.
“The National Health and Hospital Reform Commission called for broad reform in the aged care sector
and the Access Economics report provides another forceful argument for action.
“Keeping Dementia Front of Mind is an edict which must be heeded if we are to avoid a crisis where our
aged care sector is not equipped to cope. Continued research and understanding of dementia is a vital
part of the process to facilitate the development and implementation of optimum aged care services.”
Mr Mundy commended the report and urged the Federal Government to continue its support of
Alzheimer’s Australia in it endeavours to uncover the causes of dementia and devise preventatives
strategies.
ACSA represents more than 1,100 church, charitable and community based organisations providing
accommodation and care services to more than 700,000 older Australians, people with a disability and
their carers.
Media contact: Chris Hornsey 0419 513 432
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