Roadmap draft for aged care

THE Morrison Government’s $185 million Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission has released the draft Roadmap for public consultation.

It gives the public an opportunity to assess the draft and offer feedback on the current strategy.

It will assist the government as it seeks to prioritise funding for critical dementia and aged care research.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt described dementia as “one of Australia and the world’s greatest health challenges”, but said it was a challenge the Morrison Government was “deeply committed to”.

“Greater research into dementia is vital, but it’s important to ensure the research is targeted to have the greatest impact,” Mr Hunt said.

“I encourage Australians to jump on the website, read the draft Roadmap and provide advice, so we have a greater understanding of what research is required.”

More than 447,000 people are now living with dementia in Australia. The number is expected to be about 1.1 million people by 2058.

In 2017, 15 per cent of Australia’s total population – about 3.8 million people – were aged 65 and over. By 2057, this figure is projected to grow to more than 8.8 million or 22 per cent of the population.

Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the draft Roadmap was an important and timely strategy.

“We want all Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, to live well and independently for longer and access quality care when they need it,” Mr Colbeck said.

The draft Roadmap is available for comment at https:// consultations.health.gov.au.