HammondCare Chief Executive Andrew Thorburn applauds the release of Australia’s National Dementia Action Plan, a significant initiative toward better care, support, and inclusion for the more than 411,000 Australians living with dementia, their families, and their carers.

Mr. Thorburn says the Plan acknowledges the reality of living with dementia and, importantly, addresses key recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to improve dementia diagnosis, post-diagnostic care, and carer support.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and poised to overtake ischaemic heart disease as number one. That's why it's imperative we have a detailed and focused plan to address this nationally,” Andrew Thorburn said.

The recent Dementia in the Commonwealth Report, released at HammondCare’s International Dementia Conference in September this year, highlights the critical importance of National Dementia Action Plans across the Commonwealth.

“Everyone has a unique experience to share, and there are common themes we could examine worldwide when it comes to innovations and policy change,” says the author of the CommonAge Report, Dr. Emma Hodges.

The new National Dementia Action Plan provides a unified vision for the next decade. It prioritises equity, human rights, and the empowerment of individuals and communities while emphasising the need for improved services, workforce capability, and research innovation.

Dr. Duncan McKellar, psychiatrist and General Manager of Dementia Centre, HammondCare, believes there is much to do, but the release of the Plan sets a hopeful direction.

“The Plan makes a commitment to achieving Australian communities where dementia is understood, and people with dementia are fully present, able to live the way they want, access support, and contribute without stigma or marginalization,” Dr. McKellar said.

As a leading provider of complex aged, dementia and palliative care in Australia, HammondCare is committed to supporting the implementation of this Plan in partnership with governments, providers, and the wider community.

For more information about the National Dementia Action Plan visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-dementia-action-plan