National President of Alzheimer's Australia Outlines Priorities

Improving the quality of residential care remains a central priority for  Alzheimer’s Australia National President  Graeme Samuel AC.
Speaking at an event in Melbourne today, Mr Samuel outlined three priorities for his term as president of Alzheimer's Australia, including improving access to quality residential care, reducing the stigma attached to the condition, and increasing investment in dementia research.
Mr Samuel said that there was a huge agenda to address in improving the quality of life and care for people with dementia in residential and community care.
“Possibly the worst day in my family’s life was the day we had to make the decision to place our mother into an aged care facility,” Mr Samuel said. “I can empathise with the difficulties faced by carers and families who have loved ones in aged care facilities in establishing a genuine care partnership with staff. “I am confident that my personal experience in caring for my mother who had dementia has given me invaluable insights into the small things that matter in caring for people with dementia.
“The increasing number of people living with dementia, and reports of variable care for people with complex dementia care needs, give urgency to Alzheimer’s Australia’s call for zero tolerance for poor quality care.
“Quality residential care that is accessible to those with dementia is crucial if service providers are to achieve a level of service that meets the complex needs of people with the condition."
Mr Samual's speech comes on the eve of Mental Health Week which will run from 5 - 12 October.