Dementia Pathways

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Royal Commission) specifically recommended better access to information and advice on dementia, and support services available across the dementia journey. 

GCPHN are being funded to develop and enhance use of existing local dementia support pathways for the Gold Coast region. These pathways will support clinicians, primary care and the allied health workforce to link people living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, and their carers to diagnostic and post-diagnostic services and supports so they can receive early intervention and live well in the community for longer.  

This activity is comprised of three elements: 

1. Development of dementia specific pathways on the HealthPathways platform, for use by clinicians during consultation with patients, to support assessment and referral to local services. This will reflect the optimal pathway for seeking dementia diagnosis and then post-diagnostic supports including local services/supports that are available in the region. 
2. Support dementia specific training and education opportunities that increase dementia literacy in the primary health sector and promote better linkages to early intervention health and social supports, to improve visibility and consistency of post-diagnostic care. 
3. Consumer-focused dementia support resources which detail the post-diagnostic care and support available for people living with dementia, and their carers and families, within their local area, including local, state and federal government, private sector, and non-government community-based support. 

 Dementia Specific – HealthPathways  

A number of dementia specific pathway topics are currently in development on the HealthPathways platform including: 

• Behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia 
• Cognitive impairment and dementia 
• Medications for dementia 
• Dementia support services 
• Cognitive disorders specialised assessment 
• Cognitive disorders specialised advice 

To find out more about Gold Coast Community HealthPathways, click here.