Dementia Awareness

Ms THOMPSON (Davenport) (15:18): I appreciate this opportunity to shed light on one of the largest health and social challenges facing Australia and the world. Dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians and the leading cause of death for women, and yet it is still poorly understood in Australia.

Dementia is not merely a condition that affects the memory; it is a complex spectrum of disorders that impacts thinking, behaviour and daily activities. It affects not only the individual but their loved ones. Understanding dementia and its effects is the first step towards a compassionate and supportive society. Imagine a world where individuals with dementia are met with understanding, empathy and respect, a world where their unique abilities and experiences are celebrated rather than overshadowed by their condition. By educating ourselves and others, we can contribute to making this vision a reality.

At the heart of dementia awareness is empathy. It is about putting ourselves in the shoes of those battling dementia and understanding their challenges, their fears and their frustrations. It is about recognising the person behind the condition, acknowledging their worth and cherishing those moments of clarity and connection. We can cultivate a more informed and inclusive society that does not stigmatise those affected by this condition. We can adapt our communities, our public spaces and our healthcare systems to better accommodate and support individuals living with dementia.

Earlier this year, as conveners of the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia, Ms Penny Pratt and I hosted a parliamentary roundtable discussion with representatives from Dementia Australia, members of parliament and members of our community who have been touched by dementia. The discussion was about how we can pave the way for a more dementia-inclusive society.

It was a great opportunity to hear experiences and perspectives of those directly impacted. I thank the team at Dementia Australia for all that they do. Their dedication to raising awareness, driving research and advocating for change is commendable. I know that our roundtable discussion was just the beginning of a relationship that will lead to actions that will make lasting impacts on the lives of those affected by dementia. As well as improving awareness, we have a responsibility to offer quality care.

Our government is committed to continuing to provide specialised dementia services at the Repat which continue to provide care to patients with complex dementia. As part of our government's joint $400 million investment at the Flinders Medical Centre in partnership with the federal government, we have been able to expand the Geriatric Evaluation and Management service across the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, with the allocation of 26 new beds at the Repat anticipated to be complete and operational by mid-2024.

It is also excellent that last month a unique dementia care village was announced for the Repat. It is a place where residents will live in small household cottages and help with daily tasks, such as preparing meals in their own kitchen. The new 70-place dementia care village is being delivered by one of Australia's leading health and aged-care providers, HammondCare, in partnership with the federal and state government. This unique model of care creates a homelike environment for people with dementia, which is so important for their health and wellbeing.

The cottages will be built around a village green and they will include an onsite cafe, a children's playground, a hairdresser, a general store and an older persons exercise park. The design aims to maximise autonomy and minimise disability, as recommended by the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Our research community deserves recognition of their ongoing work to better understand, prevent and treat dementia. Health and medical research into neurodegenerative diseases will go a long way in working towards long-term treatments. I would also like to recognise the ongoing care and contributions of families, carers and support networks who are continuing to care for South Australians living with dementia. We know that the ongoing support of these support networks is essential in caring for and assisting South Australians living with dementia.

As many of us know too well, the impact of dementia extends far beyond those affected—the individuals themselves—touching the lives of caregivers, family members and loved ones. So let's commit to spreading awareness in our homes, our workplaces and our communities. Let's engage in conversations that promote understanding, share resources that empower caregivers and extend kindness to those navigating the challenging journey of dementia.