Launch of Trial Programs to Improve Access to Dementia Services

Dementia Australia has launched the Dementia Care Navigator Trial in two locations, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure more Australians can access appropriate support and information. 

The Dementia Care Navigator Trial, part of the Aged Care Navigators Trial led by COTA Australia and funded by the Federal Government, aims to provide tailored information to identify and connect clients with appropriate support and services.

Dementia Australia has launched the Dementia Care Navigator Trial at two sites - Perth and Dubbo, and participants will have access to a dedicated support person, an information hub, and regular seminars. The trial is open to people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the trials are testing different ways to share information about aged care so that people who need services know how to access them when they need them.

“The funding is significant as dementia is the only disease-specific trial in the program, which has great potential to validate a future dementia care model,” Ms McCabe said.

“People living with dementia, their families and carers, have told us one of their biggest concerns relating to dementia includes the time it takes for diagnosis and access to support and services.

“The services in this trial are designed to provide information and connect clients with appropriate support and services pre and post diagnosis, including referrals, advice, and resources to support a better quality of life for people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.

“More than 447,000 Australians currently live with dementia, with 70 per cent of people living in the community and 44 per cent of them living alone.

“Navigating through the dementia and aged care system alone can be confusing and difficult, and that’s why having a dedicated support person who can provide tailored information and help navigate what can be a very complex system to get to the right services, is so important.”

To make an appointment with the Dementia Care Navigator, or to find out more, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, email the Navigators on dementianavigator@dementia.org.au or visit the website here.

The Aged Care Navigators Trial is testing different types of services and activities to help people learn more about Government-supported aged care programs, and how to access them. COTA Australia is leading a consortium of 30 organisations, including Dementia Australia, to pilot and evaluate 62 different Navigator activities across the country.