Dementia support and resources
A person with dementia and their carer may have supports from health and other sectors. Some of these other sectors are outlined below.
In Sydney Local Health District, we aim to work closely with other providers caring for a person with dementia and/or their carer. To support these partnerships, Sydney Local Health District is looking to create a Dementia Community of Practice to encourage local relationships between providers. To find out more about our plans contact Helen Hislop, Dementia Active Healthcare Implementation Lead at helen.hislop@health.nsw.gov.au.
Support services
The following supports are available to support people with dementia and their carers:
Nation-wide support services
| My Aged Care |
To access Australian Government funded aged care services (over 65 years of age, or over 50 years of age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) in the home and the community, an assessment is needed. An assessor will work with you to determine your areas of need, which could include: supports with daily activities such as showering or home maintenance, carer respite in the home, day centre or aged care facility, allied health and equipment, nursing and dementia advisory services. Information on Australian Government services when caring for someone with dementia: Caring for someone with dementia | My Aged Care Phone: 1800 200 422 |
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| Carer Gateway |
Carer support and information is provided comprehensively via the Carer Gateway. Supports include counselling, peer support groups, coaching, access to support services. Phone: 1800 422737 |
| National Disability Insurance Scheme |
If you are under 65 years of age, or already a part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, you may be eligible to apply for a support plan via the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Phone: 1800 800 110 |
| Disability Gateway |
Information relating to National Disability Insurance Scheme providers in your area and services available. Phone: 1800 643 787 |
| Dementia Australia |
The national peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers is Dementia Australia. They are funded by the Australian Government to provide information and education as well as a range of support services and programs. Phone: 1800 100 500 |
| Dementia Support Australia |
This service offers support to health care professionals, carers and family members who are supporting a person living with dementia through behaviour changes. This is a national service led by Hammond Care. Phone: 1800 699 799 (24/7) |
| Dementia Training Australia |
Find education and training for people working in the dementia service area. Funded by the Australian Government, Dementia Training Australia offers a range of options to upskill staff supporting people living with dementia. Phone: 1300 229 092 |
Support Services in the Sydney Local Health District region
| Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network | Supports General Practitioners and other primary healthcare services in the Sydney Local Health District region. |
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| Local councils |
Your local council is a great source of information and local programs such as carer groups, exercise classes and special celebrations such as Dementia Action Week.
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| Dementia Alliances |
Our area has two active Dementia Alliances. Connect with yours or find out what they are doing in your area. |