Call for action on looming crisis

ONE of the region’s most active aged welfare agencies is calling a strategic and planned response to the North Coast’s looming dementia crisis.

With an ageing population, the coastal strip from Newcastle to Tweed Heads is forecast to have the highest rate of dementia in the country by 2050.

ONE of the region's most active aged welfare agencies is calling a strategic and planned response to the North Coast's looming dementia crisis.

UnitingCare Ageing's North Coast director Julia Bellamy said the coastal strip from Newcastle to Tweed Heads is forecast to have the highest rate of dementia in the country by 2050.

Ms Bellamy said despite projections pointing to the number of people in NSW with dementia rising from 95,000 to 303,500 in the next four decades not enough is being done to get people to record their wishes for their end-of-life care or to even make a will.

"I support calls on the Federal Government to implement a national awareness campaign about the value of planning ahead, ensuring that legislation and terminology for Advanced Care Directives is consistent nationally and Carers are supported with appropriate education and information," Ms Bellamy said.

"UnitingCare Ageing encourages clients, their carers and families to ensure that legal, health care and financial plans are in place at the time they commence receiving a service from us.

"This can be a difficult and confusing time for everyone involved and we are here to help navigate that process and access information to help people make informed decisions about their future care.

"Forward planning would make accessing services, either in the home or in the residential setting, less stressful and smoother for everyone involved," she said.

UnitingCare Ageing North Coast Region provides residential and community aged care services to more than 750 people on a daily basis.

For further inquiries about services in your area please contact Linda Day on 1300 925 979.

Originally published as Call for action on looming crisis