Rural Communities Dementia Project

⁠⁠⁠In the next 20 years, the estimated population of people aged 65 years or older in the MPHN region will grow by 44% (Department of Planning and Environment, 2016). While the prevalence of dementia in MPHN is not known, a significant growth in +65 age group indicates that over the next 20 years incidences of dementia will increase in our region. The majority of people (91%) living with dementia in the community rely on an informal carer to support them. Most informal care is provided by either the spouse or family member of the person with dementia (Alzheimer's Australia, Paper 42, October 2015). This arrangement allows people with dementia to live at home with family longer and maintain a level of independence. However, caring for someone with dementia is a complex and demanding undertaking. Carers face many challenges and are at increased risk of stress, depression, social isolation and other illnesses.

MPHN Needs Assessment March 2017 identified the need to build the capability and capacity of local communities to support the carers of people with dementia, particularly in rural communities.

MPHN is seeking a proposal from a suitably experienced provider to pilot the development and implementation of a multi-interventional strengths based approach to build capability and capacity of small rural communities to support carers of people with dementia.

Submissions close at 3pm AEST on 21 January 2019 and submissions must be fully received by this time.