South Australia takes the lead in becoming a dementia-friendly state
Published on 2 May 2024
South Australia has joined New South Wales as the only two states to introduce a Parliamentary Dementia-Friendly Communities Action Plan designed to increase the focus on the needs of people living with dementia.
The Action Plan’s introduction comes just weeks after South Australia also appointed its first Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, Nat Cook. Both moves signal the State’s intent to provide better support for older people.
The Action Plan for South Australia was developed in consultation with Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates and the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-Convenors. It details how South Australian Members of Parliament can lead in making their electorates more dementia-friendly.
Just like New South Wales’ Action Plan, it will be a ‘living document’ that allows for future opportunities and activities to be included over the two-year implementation timeframe. It will rely on the broad range of information, tools and supports provided by Dementia Australia.
Kylie Miskovski, Dementia Australia General Manager Policy and Advocacy, said it’s a significant new chapter for the Dementia-Friendly Communities program in SA.
“The focus of the program has been on grassroots community advocacy, actions and activity to help drive awareness of the disease and to work towards reducing the stigma that is sadly still experienced by many people living with dementia,” Ms Miskovski said.
“The Action Plan represents a new and exciting component in the Dementia-Friendly Communities program in South Australia, and I am delighted to join with our Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-Convenors to announce this initiative today.”
“The support of the Co-Convenors and the South Australian parliamentary community is invaluable in advocating for people living with dementia, their families and carers and I wish to thank all of those who assisted to create the Action Plan for South Australia.”
Dementia Australia’s Dementia-Friendly Communities resources will provide the State Government with detailed insights into creating dementia-friendly environments, the appropriate language to use and how to support people living with dementia in public/social settings.
“As a person living with dementia, I am excited and encouraged that South Australia is implementing the Action Plan,” Dementia Australia Advisory Committee member Ann Pietsch added.
“This will help to ensure that there is greater knowledge and understanding of dementia and help in reducing the stigma associated with the disease, as well as a commitment to the Dementia-Friendly Communities program.”
“Each of the actions contained in the Plan are integral to the acceptance of each individual person living well with dementia, their families and carers.”
With South Australia and New South Wales both on board with Action Plans, other states and territories will hopefully follow in the coming months. South Australia’s clear focus on ageing and well-being at a parliamentary level is also a positive sign for aged care service and retirement living providers as there should be increased support for the sector.
Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-Convenor Penny Pratt MP, Member for Frome said she was proud to be involved in the State’s inaugural Action Plan and is committed to assisting people living with dementia as well as their families and carers.
“As parliamentarians, we have well-established connections to grassroots communities which means we are well positioned to bring advocacy and attention to a disease that does not discriminate between young and old,” Ms Pratt said.