People living with dementia to receive better retirement living support

Australia will set a new standard of support for people living with dementia in retirement villages as the result of a joint project between Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and the Property Council of Australia.

With the number of Australians living in retirement villages expected to more than double in the next decade a new specialist guide released today will help operators make responsible decisions about support and care levels provided across Australia’s 2200 retirement communities.

There is currently an estimated 342,800 Australians living with dementia. That number is expected to increase to 400,000 in less than 10 years.

The Dementia Guide for the Australian Retirement Village Industry is an industry-led initiative. It gives expert guidance to owners about services and design features that help people with dementia to live independently for longer, and when specialist residential care is necessary.

Property Council Executive Director – Retirement Living, Mary Wood, said the guide would make a tangible difference to the lives of residents in Australia’s burgeoning retirement living communities.

“This initiative is about creating more dementia-friendly communities that understand, respect and support people living with dementia, and enable them to feel confident and contribute to community life,” Ms Wood said.

“The retirement living industry is already taking the lead in meeting the needs of many residents living with dementia and their families, by providing or brokering the provision of the right care and support.

“The publication of this simple and practical guide will give every retirement village owner the ability to either provide appropriate support or help a person accept they need more intensive services in a residential care facility in a sensitive and appropriate way.”

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW General Manager – Policy, Research and Information Brendan Moore said dementia is an issue that is going to become more prevalent generally, in our communities, and in retirement villages as well.

“We are really pleased to have produced this Guide in partnership with the Property Council and are confident it will help retirement village operators respond better to this growing challenge,” Mr Moore said.

“There will be greater clarity for residents and prospective residents around the level and types of support they can expect to receive in their village. Older Australians are looking for this type of support, including people with dementia.”

The provision of care and support may include all or a combination of the following elements:

 – Health and wellbeing staff
 – In-house home care or relationship with community aged care service providers
 – Carer support and respite
 – Technology for monitoring and community connection
 – Assisted living / serviced apartments

The Dementia Guide for the Australian Retirement Village Industry is available at www.retirementliving.org.au/research