How health reform and doctors can help people with dementia

Ita has developed strong views about ageing and dementia as a consequence of her former role as a carer of her father and through her work as President.  

She suggests that consumers want two things above all. First, they want to be empowered as active partners in care planning and services. Secondly, consumers want an integrated care system with clear pathways of care.  

She believes there are six key areas that need to be addressed. These are:

1) Empowerment of consumers
2) Consumers knowing where to get the services they need
3) Services and professionals that are integrated and communicate
4) Preventative health
5) Workforce
6) Quality of Care and End of Life  

Ita stresses the importance of early diagnosis of dementia and referral to support services and the strategies Alzheimer’s Australia is pursuing to achieve those goals.

Read Ita's speech What's business without change? Bring it on!