Service and support requirements of people with younger onset dementia and their families: final report, August, 2012

by Brown J-A, Sait K, Meltzer A, Fisher KR, Thompson D, Faine R

Abstract

This report outlines research undertaken by Alzheimer's Australia NSW (AlzNSW) in 2011 that sought to identify the service and support requirements of people with younger onset dementia and their families in New South Wales.

Younger onset dementia is defined as dementia which occurs before the age of 65 years and under 50 years for Indigenous people, and it is recognised that people with younger onset dementia have service requirements that differ from those of older people with dementia.

This research collected data from people with younger onset dementia, their family members and carers, and service providers, using roundtables, interviews and surveys. The findings describe the experiences of people with younger onset dementia and that of their families and carers, and are presented in three parts:

• identifying younger onset dementia
• experience of support services, and
• services in the later stages of dementia.

The report concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for policy and presents strategies to address key areas of need.

Adapted from Ageing, Disability and Home Care, New South Wales

Links

• View report: Service and support requirements of people with younger onset dementia and their families: final report, August, 2012 (PDF - 2.8 MB)
• View website: NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care