Services to support people with dementia and their carers

Dementia is the word used to describe the symptoms of illnesses that affect the brain. It is not one specific disease, but a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Common forms include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Dementia causes a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks, and can affect the senses of sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing. The risk of dementia increases with age, but it is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia can happen to anybody, though it becomes more common with age, affecting around 30% of people over the age of 85.

A range of services is available for people with dementia and for their families, carers and friends.

Information and helplines#

Confidential telephone information and support services exist in many areas. They are usually staffed by trained, experienced professionals and can help anyone concerned about memory loss. Such a helpline can offer practical information and advice and tell you about local services.

If you need an interpreter or advocate, a helpline can usually arrange access and referral to an appropriate service. People who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairment can often use a relay service to make contact.

Assessment and diagnosis#

Specialist memory and cognition services help people who are experiencing memory loss or changes to their thinking, along with the partners, carers and friends who support them. These services can provide:

• Expert clinical diagnosis.
• Information on appropriate treatments.
• Education, support and information.
• Help with planning for the future and dealing with day-to-day issues.
• Links to other services and community supports.

An assessment usually includes medical and allied health consultations and may include a visit to your home. Other specialist assessments, such as neuropsychology, may also be carried out. The service will discuss the results and recommendations with you and, if you agree, with your carer and doctor.

If you or someone you are caring for is experiencing changes to memory and thinking, you can contact such a service for information and advice. You can ask your local doctor or community health centre for a referral, or refer yourself directly. Clinics may be located in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Help with changed behaviour#

Some services specifically help people support someone with dementia when changes in behaviour are affecting their care. They can help with care planning and short-term case management, provide clinical support, information and advice, and make referrals to other support services. Assessments are often free of charge for people showing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Support for carers#

The physical and emotional demands of caring for someone with dementia can be high. If you are caring for a person with dementia, you may also need support so you can look after yourself — it is easier to continue in your care role if you take time out to recharge.

Organisations and groups can help and support you. They may offer counselling, information, education, training and referral services, and information is often available in a range of community languages. They can also help you arrange respite care and provide advice, counselling and practical support to partners, carers and friends.

Support groups#

There are formal and informal support groups and networks for people with dementia and for their partners, carers and friends. You may feel reassured by catching up with others and getting help from people who share similar experiences. Carer support groups bring together partners, carers and friends, sometimes with a group facilitator. A local helpline or service can usually tell you where to find your nearest group.

Respite care and short-term stays#

Taking a break for a day, a weekend or longer is one way to recharge for your care role. You might want to take a holiday, attend an event, or you may need to go to hospital for a short stay. You can arrange respite services to take over your care duties while you are away from home.

For an older person to access funded residential respite care, they usually need to be assessed as eligible. Local aged care assessment and support services can arrange an assessment and help you find the programs available in your area.

Key points#

• Dementia is the word used to describe the symptoms of illnesses that affect the brain.
• Common forms of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
• The risk of dementia increases with age, but it is not a normal part of ageing.
• Dementia can happen to anybody, but it becomes more common with age, affecting around 30% of people over the age of 85.

Where to get help#