Experts say dementia must be recognised as a disability.

Researchers from Flinders University say Australians with dementia should have better access to care provided by specially trained teams. 

Dr Miia Rahja says dementia patients face increased challenges while the disease is not recognised as a disability; limiting the care that is available.

“Almost 75 per cent of Australians with dementia live in the community and rely on informal care provided by their family or friends to be able to remain living at home, instead of moving to residential aged care,” Dr Rahja says. 

“The complex needs of the person with dementia and the gradual increase in dependency can also significantly impact on the health and lifestyle of their care partner.

“Care partners should be provided with access to preventative care which includes education and training around the disease, symptom management, as well as stress management for self.

“Programs such as the NDIS increase recipient’s ability to access social and community activities, as well as informal support networks with care partners. 

“Allowing people with dementia to access funding and support schemes, such as the NDIS, will enable access to more targeted care and should be a matter of priority.”

The call is part of Dr Rahja’s 2021 Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship Health Policy Issues Brief.