Page 1855 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Dementia and the scale of the problem in the ACT present an enormous challenge. It is one of the most critical issues, both in terms of scale and urgency, which the committee examined, and it is referred to in some detail in the report.
Mr Speaker, my visit to Peppertree Lodge along with other members of the committee was a highlight of our activities. Peppertree Lodge is the New South Wales innovation for dementia patients. My understanding is that it has been so successful that further facilities are going to be built in New South Wales.
The Peppertree Lodge approach, its staff and the patients are to be congratulated. The concept of involving residents in as much of the day-to-day running of the establishment is to be commended. I certainly recommend that hostel residents go down a similar path. The feeling of still contributing is really so important for those wonderful, warm, wise aged people in our community.
Without doubt, Mr Speaker, as I have already mentioned, the need for a convalescent home is of utmost importance. A hospice, both in terms of economic viability and patient need, presents a necessity. However, as the report mentioned, this is the recommendation while recognising that not all care takes place in an institutional setting. The report also looks closely into the needs of the ethnic ageing, and the powers of attorney and guardianship legislation passed this week is welcome, I am sure all members of the committee agree. Education and staffing issues are also addressed with the five-year plan and the 60 recommendations resulting from this inquiry. At this stage, Mr Speaker, I say that the Government is on notice: these recommendations must be implemented. (Extension of time granted)
I intend to ensure that there is continued close monitoring of the situation. We must not lose sight of the number of people this report will affect over the years to come. I am sure all members will welcome this report. They will want to be better informed about those very special people in our community to whom I referred earlier - those wonderful, warm, wise aged people that we really have learnt so much from over so many years.
DR KINLOCH (11.00): I am very much moved by Robyn Nolan's words and I would like to endorse them and thank her for them. I also warmly endorse our chairman's remarks in all that he has said and in all that he has done in his chairmanship of this committee. We have been a terrific team and I include in that, of course, Ann Scott, Chris Windsor and the people who helped us from the secretariat; that is a preliminary comment.
Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Residents Rally, I am happy to ask the Assembly to accept this report on the ageing. In thinking of the Rally's commitment in this area in our
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