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www.alzheimers2013.com
Grand Ballroom 2
n
seRVIce 2
EvaluatiON OF alzHEimER's
austRalia NsW dEmENtia
advisORy sERviCEs (das) ­
imPliCatiONs FOR tHE `kEy
WORkER' CONCEPt
Brendan Moore
General Manager ­ Policy, Research and
Information, Alzheimer's Australia NSW
Abstract for oral presentation only:
The presentation will present findings from
the AlzNSW evaluation of the DAS model.
The DAS model is unique to NSW with
funding provided through the HACC Program.
Operating from a social model perspective, the
primary functions of the DAS positions are to:
· provide information, counselling, referral
and advocacy
· promote awareness
· participate in local dementia networks
The evaluation has two components: a service
evaluation of the DAS and a policy evaluation to
inform the development of key worker models
identified in Australian and NSW Government
policy documents.
The data is being collected through: surveying
DAS clients, data mining, interviews with
DAS workers, and focus groups with service
networks.
The presentation will identify policy
implications of continuation of the DAS role
and national expansion beyond NSW, or
the need for a new role. Insights from the
evaluation will include whether the DAS
positions:
1. work in accordance with the `key worker'
role,
2. need to work in a health model approach,
and therefore differently with clients,
3. need to work differently with other
organisations and networks.
Information gained from the evaluation will
contribute to improved dementia care and
outcomes for people with dementia and their
carers through:
1. understanding what consumers feel is the
best type of support in their journey with
dementia, and
2. understanding the impact of the DAS roles
The project was funded by the Department
of Family and Community Services, Ageing,
Disability and Home Care (ADHC) and
conducted by Alzheimer's Australia NSW with
the support of the DCRC-ABC.
Grand Ballroom 3
n
seRVIce 3
dEtECt EaRly: a multi-mEdia
CamPaigN iNsPiRiNg gPs tO makE a
diFFERENCE
andrew Mills
Alzheimer's NSW
This presentation reports on the development
of an integrated communications solution to
encourage and educate GP's to screen and for
and diagnose dementia as early as possible.
Early diagnosis of dementia and the role of
GPs is a significant and complex issue. Recent
research found that there is an average of
1.2 years before a diagnosis is made from
the first consultation1. This is consistent with
longstanding concerns of consumers about
delays in diagnosis.
Diagnosis can be a difficult and lengthy process
and, post diagnosis, as a constant patient, GPs
often juggle a myriad of responsibilities and do