Productivity Commission Report ignores dementia

Alzheimer’s Australia expressed disappointment today in the release of the final report of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Caring for Older Australians.

Glenn Rees, CEO, Alzheimer’s Australia said it is a great disappointment that the Productivity Commission has again failed to acknowledge dementia as the core business of aged care.

“There is not a single recommendation that addresses dementia or acknowledges the additional costs of caring for individuals with dementia,” Mr Rees said.

At the same time Alzheimer’s Australia supports the strategic direction of the reforms which focus on increasing choice, providing care in the community and creating a sustainable aged care system.  The Productivity Commission responded to some of Alzheimer’s Australia’s concerns in the draft report by recommending:

• A rapid increase in the number of community care places
• The establishment of mid-level community care packages to bridge gaps in current services
• Inclusion of respite as an integral part of the aged care system
• A trial of flexible options for respite including cashing out
• Greater information about the quality of aged care services

The Productivity Commission report is now under consideration by Government.  Alzheimer’s Australia looks forward to the Government’s response to the Commission's report and is hopeful that the Government will acknowledge that dementia is core business of aged care and needs to be addressed in the reform of the aged care system.

A copy of the full report can be found at the Productivity Commission website www.pc.gov.au.

Download a copy of the full media release Productivity Commission ignores dementia released by Alzheimer's Australia on 8 August 2011 in response to the Final Report.

Download a copy of the full media release Urgent need to plan ahead to combat Australia’s growing dementia epidemic released by Alzheimer's Australia on 5 August 2011 ahead of the release of the Final Report.  

Download a copy of the media release A national conversation on health and positive ageing released by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing  on 9 August 2011.

Download a full copy of Alzheimer’s Australia’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into Caring for Older Australians.