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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 7 Hansard (24 September) . . Page.. 2230 ..


MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND COMMUNITY CARE

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

Question No. 38

Accommodation for Sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease

Ms Tucker - asked the Minister for Health and Community Care upon notice on 14 August 1998

Does the ACT have enough accommodation to house members of the community suffering from the severe later stages of Alzhiemers disease (eg those who are suffering severe behavioural problems, and wandering) who require nursing home care?

Mr Moore - the answer to the Member's question is:

Residential accommodation for older people, including older people with dementia, is a Commonwealth Government responsibility.

There is more residential accommodation in the ACT than that normally allocated under national planning guidelines, to take into account both the ACT's regional role and that parents of some people working in the ACT come to the ACT for care and accommodation.

While most nursing homes and aged persons' hostels provide for people with dementia, Ebrai Lodge is a dementia-specific facility.

The ACT Government also provides for respite care in people's homes and funds Burrangiri, a crisis respite care centre, which includes respite for people with dementia. This centre will be subject to review (to be completed end October 1998) to ensure that it can continue to provide safe support and care for people with dementia.

The Department of Health and Community Care is currently developing a strategic plan for health services for older people. In recognition of the shared role it has invited participation from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services to ensure the development of complementary services.


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