Our history - WA
Alzheimer’s Australia WA was established in 1982 by a group of carers of people with dementia who saw the increasing need for a dementia-specific support organisation.
Historical timeline:
- 1982 – Alzheimer’s Association WA formed.
- 1985 – Training of respite careworkers begin.
- 1988 – HACC funding to provide in-home respite care.
- 1993 – Headquarters officially opened in Shenton Park.
- 1996 – Education workshops developed for people living with dementia and people working in health and aged care.
- 2002 – Organisation changed its status to “Company by Limited Guarantee”
- 2008 – Partnership with Curtin University of Technology to establish the nation’s first Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care.
The present
Today, Alzheimer’s Australia WA is the oldest and largest dementia organisation at the forefront of dementia care services, world-class research and education and training programs.
We provide specialised services to more than 23,000 people with dementia and their families and carers including respite, counselling and social support.
We also offer education, nationally recognised training and advisory services to people working in health and aged care and community education programs for the general public.
The future
Alzheimer’s Australia WA seeks to become a capacity builder in the health and aged care industry with our service delivery activities continually being evaluated and researched.
This research is used to develop education and training curriculum for health professionals, aged care workers and the community.
As part of a strategic partnership with Curtin University of Technology, the new Alzheimer’s Australia WA Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care will be built on the University’s campus in Bentley.
The idea of co-locating on a university campus is understood to be a world-first. The construction of the new Centre, to commence in 2012, will enable the organisation to respond more effectively to the dementia epidemic.