The University of Queensland has become the first university that is formally recognized by Dementia Australia as a dementia-friendly organization, an initiative that will inform research, will increase consciousness, reduce stigma and a supportive environment.
The Dementia-friendly university initiative will Include specific training modules in health and medicine courses as part of a milestone project to improve the results for people with dementia and their families.
Uq Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry Said Dementia is an important cause of death in Australia, and it is important for organizations to prioritize action on inclusiveness.
In the forefront of these changes there is a research advice group consisting of people with a lived experience who can bring unique insights into the initiative and investigates projects to improve dementia prevention and treatment. “
Deborah Terry, Vice -Kanselier, University of Queensland
Terry added: “A UQ-wide approach will strengthen the existing dementia-friendly obligations of the university at UQ Center for Clinical Research, UQ Art Museum and UQ Healthy Living. “
There are currently 433,300 Australians who live with dementia, and in 30 years this number is expected to reach 812,500.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan congratulated UQ on this important milestone and thanked everyone involved in the initiative.
“This places a high bar for other educational institutions in their work to become dementia-friendly and I recommend UQ for their dedication to involve people with a living experience of dementia in this initiative,” said Professor Buchanan.
“People who live with dementia tell us that they want to belong, are part of their community and feel appreciated – and they have the right to.
“Dementia-friendly organizations ensure that people who live with dementia can continue to thrive in their community with dementia.”
UQ Dementia-friendly initiative director, Professor Nadeeka Dissanayaka, said that the university has co-prepared the dementia-friendly route map and guide for universities of Dementia Australia that UQ follows.
“The first step towards the initiative will include the training of staff, including education over Dementia language guidelines, “said Professor Dissanayaka.
This initiative is in line with important objectives under the existing UQ Age Friendly University Initiative and UQ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.