People who suffer from dementia will be give extra support as the federal government invests $5.3 million in a new pilot project.
The project aims to improve care for people living with dementia, with a particular emphasis on using innovative technologies.
Dementia Australia will receive initial funding of $1 million in 2018 – 19 to work with existing technology providers.
The remaining $4.3 million will be allocated through a grants process as part of the redesigned National Dementia Support Program.
This will build on the advances made as a result of other innovative projects supported through the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund and the federal government’s five-year $200 million Boosting Dementia Research Initiative.
September is Dementia Awareness Month.
More than 425,000 Australians live with dementia and it is estimated this figure will more than double in the next 30 years.
Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt, says there is an urgent need to explore more effective ways to help families and carers.
He said bedroom technologies such as laser beams, floor sensors and trip lights that alert staff have increased safety for residents, while robots and robotic pets are helping to reduce tension among people with dementia and improving their quality of life.
“With up to 250 Australians now joining the population with dementia each day, it is critical we build on our record investment in dementia research and development,” he said.
“This latest commitment will fund the trialling of technology to improve the quality of life for Australians already living with dementia, from sustaining their independence and enabling them to live in their own homes for longer, to helping families and carers to better understand dementia.
“It will also extend the capacity of the health and aged care sectors to respond to increased rates of dementia.
“Technology will never replace the importance of the human touch of caring but we are already seeing major innovations which are improving and augmenting care.”