Believed to be the first report on dementia focussing on Commonwealth countries, this pivotal publication, delves into the current state of dementia care and support; it highlights disparities and challenges, best practices, and the urgent need for action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
Key findings include:
- 59 per cent (33) of Commonwealth nations do not yet have a National Dementia Plan (NDP) or strategy in place.
- Only 11 per cent (6) of Commonwealth nations have a NDP in place.
- 19 per cent (10) of Commonwealth nations are in the process of developing a NDP.
- Shared challenges across the Commonwealth include the need to deal with the inequities in access to support, the workforce shortage and a requirement for a funding strategy.
- Communities and civil society are mobilising to create greater awareness and dementia friendly spaces to reduce isolation and discrimination.
- Health and care professionals are working in partnership with other key stakeholders to find new ways of providing culturally appropriate care and support.
- Entrepreneurs from private and social sector, and committed enterprising individuals are also seeking solutions across key areas such as housing, residential care and technology.
This report will be essential reading for anyone involved in health policy, health, care and community development, service delivery and everyone who wants to find out what they can do for themselves, each other and their community.
Dr Emma Hodges, Report Project Manager, chief editor and author, says: “It is recognised that there are many competing priorities for governments, particularly for low and-middle-income countries, including water/sanitation, food distribution, climate change and education. However, this report is a call to action for all stakeholders across the Commonwealth to come together and address the growing impact of dementia.
HammondCare Dementia Centre General Manager Angela Raguz says the report is a significant opportunity for the Commonwealth to share the expertise and resources that exist to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
“As the Commonwealth turns 75 years of age, this report challenges us to consider the realities for its citizens in their 70s with dementia. I am looking forward to the opportunities for The Dementia Centre to collaborate with the many contributors to this report across the Commonwealth.”
We are exceedingly grateful to partners, sponsors and collaborators for their generous support in this publication.
Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #DementiaInTheCommonwealth!
From researching ageing and ageism in the Commonwealth, to creating opportunities for intergenerational activities through story telling, we have published a number of reports, papers and ebooks.
Would you like to partner with us for another research project, or create an intergenerational publication similar to our ebook?
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Contact: secretariat@commage.org
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