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Dementia
You may have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia and have questions about what it means, what to do and who can help.
On our website you have access to information, advice and support that will help you to understand dementia better, learn how to respond to changes in your life, know what financial and/or legal help is available, explore care options, and help prepare for the future.
- What is dementia?
- Help for people with dementia
- Help for carers and family
- Prevention and awareness
- Legal issues for people living with dementia
- Advice on choosing an aged care home for someone with dementia
- Dementia and behaviour
- Dementia and continence management
- Dementia resources and contacts
What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a large group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning, including loss of memory and intellect and what are generally considered normal emotional reactions. This part of our website tells you more about who gets dementia, treatment of and research into dementia and what you should do if you suspect dementia.Read more: About what dementia is
Help for people with dementia
There are many organisations that support people with dementia, their carers and family. This part of our website tells you all about the helplines, networks, support groups and other services available, as well as introducing you to a wide range of community care programs.Read more: About help for people with dementia
Help for carers and family
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, this section of our website helps with advice on issues relating to communication, nutrition, hygiene, sleeping, working with the medical profession and behaviours of concern.Read more: About help for family, friends and carers
Advice on choosing an aged care home for people with dementia
Deciding to move your family member or friend to an aged care home can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make. This section of our website makes things a little easier, with advice on homes that specialise in dementia, how to choose a home and how to manage visits.Read more: Aged care homes for people with dementia
Prevention and awareness
At present there’s no cure for dementia, but there are lots of things you can do to relieve symptoms, maintain the best possible health and educate yourself about the changes. In this way you can remain as independent as possible and enjoy life for a long time to come.This part of our website will help you with ideas on how to stay healthy, involved and positive, as well as introducing you to some early intervention programs that you may wish to access.Read more: About prevention and awareness
Legal issues for people with dementia
As dementia progresses, a person’s ability to make legal and financial decisions decreases. That’s why it’s so important to get your affairs in order as early as possible, appoint a person or organisation that can manage your affairs and make a will. This section of our website will help you get started, allowing you to make positive plans for your future.Read more: About legal issues for people with dementia
Dementia and behaviour
As dementia progresses you may notice changes in behaviour that can be upsetting, such as depression, wandering, anxiety and hallucinations as well as aggressive and disinhibited behaviours. Here you’ll find advice on how to understand and work with these behaviours.Read more: About dementia and behaviour
Dementia and continence management
A person with dementia may find it hard to recognise the need to go to the toilet, be unable to wait until the appropriate time and may even have difficulties finding, recognising or using the toilet properly. This part of our website will assist you in finding strategies that can help.Read more: About dementia and continence management
Dementia resources and contacts
Go straight to this section of our website if you want a comprehensive list of organisations and services that offer information and support to people with dementia, their carers and family.Read more: On dementia resources and contacts
