RELEASE
11 June 2018
The call is out for country carers of people living with dementia to join in a ground-breaking research project using technology to improve their lives and continue caring.
Launched in Brisbane today by Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt AM, Caring for Carers of People with Dementia is appealing to carers from rural, regional and remote areas around Australia.
"By joining these research trials, they will help in mapping out a new network of support for dementia care across the nation," said Minister Wyatt.
"With approximately 425,000 Australians already living with dementia and the number projected to grow to more one million by 2050, the work of carers is a critical.
"In regional areas, isolation can make their vital role even more challenging, so I congratulate researchers for their work to harness technology to reduce the tyranny of distance and improve quality of life."
Participation in the six-week research programs is free, with carers joining in weekly, hour-long video chats to discuss issues and share experiences with their peers and health professionals. All they need is a reliable internet connection.
Minister Wyatt said the project was an important part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to world-class dementia research, receiving $744,000 from the Dementia and Aged Care Services fund.
"Video conferencing is an effective method of connecting people but the aim of this project is to establish how well it can support carers, give them access to services and help them cope with challenges and build resilience," said Minister Wyatt.
"We understand the pressures they are under but by creating a virtual community of carers, we hope they can better manage their work-life balance and be supported in everything they do."
The Caring for Carers of People with Dementia project is led by the Central Queensland University (CQU), in partnership with Global Community Resourcing and Prevention First.
"Dementia has life-altering consequences not just for the individual, but for the people who love and care for them," said the Minister.
"To ensure the best possible support for people living with dementia, it’s crucial we care for their carers."
In the recent Federal budget, $5.3 million was allocated to support the design and implementation of a pilot program aimed at improving care for people with dementia, with an emphasis on using innovative technologies.
The Turnbull Government is also investing more than $200 million in research to manage, prevent and find cures for dementia. ---
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