Act now for a dementia-friendly future
Dementia impacts more than 400,000 Australians.
This week (18 – 24 September 2023) is Dementia Action Week, a national awareness-raising campaign to challenge common misconceptions about dementia.
This year’s theme is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’, and is all about building awareness and acceptance of dementia.
Dementia can impact anyone – a family member, a neighbour, a colleague. For people living with dementia, performing daily tasks and maintaining social networks can sometimes be challenging.
This is why building communities in which people living with dementia feel understood, accepted and included is so important.
A dementia-friendly community means:
- less fear and more understanding of what dementia means
- less stigma and discrimination
- people living with dementia are supported to live well.
How to get involved
- host a morning tea or other event
- encourage your friends and family to become Dementia Friends
- connect with Dementia Advocates or your local Dementia Alliance
For more information
- visit the dementia health page on our website
- hear the top 3 questions and answers on dementia with Professor Michael Kidd
National Dementia Action Plan – summary of consultation outcomes report released
Earlier this year the department sought your feedback on a consultation paper to inform the development of a new National Dementia Action Plan. This is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and state and territory governments and will put people living with dementia, their families and carers at the centre of all action on dementia.
A report on the outcomes of the consultation has been released, which summarises feedback on key elements of the consultation paper. To view the report and find out what we heard, visit the department’s website.
Let's change aged care, together
Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.
The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.
To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.