Dementia places sustained physical, emotional and psychological demands on carers.

Without targeted support, carers face a higher risk of burnout, which can lead to deteriorating health and wellbeing, increased crisis presentations, and earlier transition to higher cost care settings.

That is why a re-elected Malinauskas Labor Government will commit $500,000 to deliver a specialised education and wellbeing program to better support unpaid carers of people living with dementia across South Australia.

The Dementia Carers Wellbeing and Education Program will be delivered by Dementia Australia, building on successful programs they have delivered in other states.

The program will provide evidence based wellbeing and education interventions to improve carer health, reduce stress, and strengthen carers’ capacity to sustain their caring role. It will help carers develop stronger coping strategies, build confidence in managing dementia related challenges, and strengthen their connection to ongoing support services and peer networks, helping to reduce social isolation.

The program will also deliver broader benefits for the aged care system by supporting the sustainability of caring arrangements, reducing the risk of crisis escalation, and easing pressure on acute and residential aged care services.

This program builds on Labor’s comprehensive plan to deliver an extra 1,300 aged care beds, providing more appropriate care for older South Australians while freeing up hospital beds for those who need acute care.