Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is now legal in most parts of Australia, but should it be available to people living with dementia?
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A new research project aims to assess people with dementia's attitudes, needs and preferences following the decision to legalise VAD in NSW.
Charles Sturt University PhD candidate Adrienne Matthys said while VAD is now legal in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT - it is not generally offered to people with dementia.
Ms Matthys said the study aims to promote inclusion and emphasise the human rights of a frequently marginalised group.
"This study is not about whether it is right or wrong for people with dementia to access VAD, but instead seeks to determine what they themselves think, feel and want," she said.
"That means speaking directly with people living with dementia, rather than hearing about them from their support networks."
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates 401,300 Australians are living with dementia, with this figure predicted to double by 2058.
Participants will be able to complete the study in hard copy or online, and will also have the chance to take part in an optional follow up interview.
Participant Eileen Taylor said she thinks it is important for people with dementia to take part in the discussion.
For more information email VADresearch@csu.edu.au. To access the study click here.
