Evaluation of Alzheimer's Australia Services to Improve Access for Special Needs Groups

This evaluation reports on the achievements of 11 Service Access Liaison Officer projects implemented by Alzheimer's Australia to improve access to dementia services for specific needs groups. The projects, which have been implemented in all states and territories, have focused on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD); Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Intersex people (GLBTI); people with Younger Onset Dementia (YOD); and people in rural and remote locations (R & R). Relevant literature has been reviewed to identify issues for specific groups and work being undertaken to address these issues. The projects formally commenced in late 2010 but some projects which needed to recruit staff, only began in January 2011. Projects were designed to suit their particular demographic, geographic, organisational and service system context; they developed and implemented clear and credible strategies for achieving the objective of increased access to services.