Hastings District Respite has been granted $131,000 State Government funding for centre based day care for people with dementia.
The funding was on top of the $1.8 million allocated in the 2011/2012 budget.
$80,000 has been granted to fund extra hours, while an additional $51,000 has been provided to purchase a suitable vehicle to help transport clients, which is a vital part of the service.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said, “This is great news and will now allow Hastings District Respite the opportunity to provide an additional 6000 hours of service each year.
“I recently arranged a meeting with the Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance, Hastings District Respite General Manager Raymond Gouck and President of the Management Committee Tamara Suidgeest to discuss possible funding options.
“I’m pleased Minister Constance was able to approve the extra funding for this very worthwhile service,” Mrs Williams said.
The aim of the program is to provide centre-based day care for people with dementia and to provide respite, support, information and education for their carers.
The program is designed to help people with dementia by providing physical, mental and social stimulation within an environment of friendliness, compassion and support at a centre which also helps to avoid premature or inappropriate admission to long-term residential care.
“Our region has the second highest rates of people with dementia in NSW, so any funding to assist people with this disease is essential,” Mrs Williams said.
“In September last year, an Ageing Roundtable was held at Parliament House, which brought together leading researchers in aeing issues, stakeholders and policy makers to discuss the development of a Whole of Government Ageing Strategy.
“While many seniors lead active and healthy lives, the fact remains, we need fresh approaches to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Mrs Williams said.
The final Ageing Strategy will be released next month.
