A new online education program for banks and the financial sector has been launched to help staff learn about the impact of dementia and how to provide improved services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
The online program, Better banking for people with dementia, has been developed by Dementia Australia's Centre for Dementia Learning and uses interactive videos, quizzes, clickable graphics and flashcards.
"Better banking for people living with dementia requires only one hour to complete yet provides a comprehensive overview of dementia and advice on how to better meet the financial needs of people living with dementia," Dementia Australia chairman and former Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Professor Graeme Samuel said.
"With an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia in 2020 and numbers on the rise, now is the time for banks and the financial sector to learn about dementia and how to best serve customers impacted by the disease."
Extensive research and development was undertaken in creating the program including consultation with Australians living with dementia and their carers, Bendigo Bank, Victoria Police and Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson.
Bendigo Bank's managing director Marnie Baker said the program had been tested by Bendigo Bank staff with overwhelmingly positive feedback to-date.
"The increasing number of Australians living with dementia deserve financial services provided by staff that are knowledgeable, understanding and compassionate towards their needs," said Ms Baker.
"Better banking for people with dementia enhances the education and support Bendigo Bank staff have and creates the dementia-friendly experience our customers should expect."
Centre for Dementia Learning: 1300 336 368.