Caring for someone who has dementia
Being a carer for someone living with dementia is rewarding but also comes with responsibilities. It can also have an impact on your own wellbeing. This section provides support in managing your responsibilities and physical and emotional wellbeing.
The term carer refers to someone who is providing unpaid care to a person with dementia, which is different to a professional or paid carer.
Supporting care for a person with dementia
If you are a carer for someone living with dementia, you should be informed and included in conversations about the person’s care when there is going to be an impact on you as a carer. The person you care for may wish for you to be involved in additional conversations to support them emotionally and with decision-making.
The person you are caring for may have difficulties making choices and communicating their wishes. This can be difficult and can have an impact on your wellbeing. It can help to discuss communication strategies with dementia support services and other carers with experience of dementia. It is also important to discuss this with doctors and other specialists to make sure you and the person you care for can be supported to make important decisions now and in the future.
Arranging support services
There can be waiting times for assessments and to make arrangements. It is important to plan for your needs in advance. The starting point for many government-funded supports is through My Aged Care. If you are caring for someone younger than 65 years old, support may be from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You can discuss your needs with your doctor.
Respite care
Respite care gives a person and their carer a break from their usual care arrangements.
What respite care looks like depends on your situation. It can be available for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks. It can be provided in your home, the community, at a dementia specific care house or an aged care home.
Respite care is often planned in advance, for example, if your carer is planning a trip or has an appointment to attend. However, it is also available in emergencies or unexpected situations.
Learn more about respite care:
Wellbeing support for carers
to you. Dementia-specific support services will typically have many programs and services focused on supporting carers. Support that is available to you includes:
- Counselling – advice and emotional support for carers.
- Carer support groups – a safe place to talk with other carers.
- Wellbeing support – opportunities to stay connected and active.
Support services
Dementia services and sites that you may wish to access as a carer include:
Other supports and sites that you may want to access to stay active and connected in your community include:
Dementia information and education for carers
There are resources to help you learn more about dementia and how it may impact you and the person you care for. This can look like education sessions, online programs, libraries and much more. It can also be helpful to utilise your GP to support you in understanding how dementia impacts the person you care for and you as a carer. More information can be found at:
Planning ahead
It’s wise to plan ahead. For example, you may need to plan for changes in your finances, ability to drive, health and decision-making ability. It’s important to do this early when you can make your own choices. You may also want to create a dementia friendly environment by adapting your home to reduce the risk of falls and support independent living. To learn more about planning ahead, you can visit:
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.