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More dollars needed to ease pressure on dementia services
More resources are required in Victoria to cope with the increasing number of people needing to access dementia related services, according to AMA Victoria president Dr Mark Yates.
Dr Yates, a geriatrician, said it was timely today, World Alzheimer’s Day, to highlight that with an ageing population and thousands of people each year being diagnosed with dementia related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, there needs to be a substantial increase in resources in Victoria so people can be properly diagnosed and supported.
“There are some great services available in Victoria but they are not properly resourced to cope with the increasing number of people in need.”
Dr Yates said three priorities for the State Government should be:
- Increased funding and support for education and services for people with dementia and their carers when significant behavioural disturbances occur.
- Improved funding for acute hospitals to identify and appropriately provide for patients with dementia and delirium and their families.
- Increased funding and resources for the state-wide early diagnostic service (CDAMS -Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service).
“People with significant behavioural disturbances are often in and out of emergency departments or putting undue stress on carers – there is a lack of funding for the state’s Aged Psychiatry Services to deal with dementia related illnesses.
“In addition, the true cost of treating someone with dementia or delirium is not recognised in the funding hospitals receive. This can make it more difficult for hospitals treating patients with dementia and behavioural problems.
“There are also long waits to access early diagnostic services,’ Dr Yates said.
“Early detection is extremely important and can make a huge difference to how the person and their family cope with the onset of dementia.
“If it is picked-up early, there is a lot of support and education available to help both the individual and their family adjust and prepare.
“A lot of people think memory loss in older people is normal, and while thinking might slow down, memory loss is not normal.”
“It is important to speak to your family GP sooner rather than later about any concerns you may have for yourself or a family member,” Dr Yates said.
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