Dementia Care Canberra

Dementia is not a single disease, but a group of cognitive disorders that cause a decline in memory, thinking, and other mental abilities. This condition is severe enough to interfere with daily life. The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the specific type and stage of the condition, but common symptoms of different forms of dementia include:

• Having trouble remembering things, like recent events
• Having a hard time talking or finding the right words
• Struggling to make decisions and understand things you used to
• Getting confused about where you are or what day it is
• Finding it tough to focus on everyday tasks
• Struggling to do everyday things like cooking or getting dressed
• Noticeable changes in your mood or behaviour, like becoming more irritable or sad
• Having trouble with moving and doing physical activities
• Not seeing things correctly or getting confused about what you see
• Not wanting to be around other people or losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Are you looking for local dementia home care in Canberra? Home Caring provides specialised dementia support in the comfort of your own home. To find out more about dementia support services in Canberra, please get in touch with our customer care team.

If you are concerned that your loved one might have dementia, it can be difficult to know what to do. Many conditions can have similar symptoms to dementia, so it’s important not to make assumptions. Seeing a doctor is a good place to start, as they can offer a preliminary diagnosis, and if needed, refer your loved one to a geriatrician, neurologist, and other support networks that may be helpful. Here’s some things you can do to help.

• Chat to your loved one about any difficulties they may be experiencing. With empathy and care, express your concerns and let them know that you are there to support them. They may be unaware of their symptoms or in denial, so be patient and understanding.
• Encourage them to book a check-up with their doctor – if your loved one is resistant to getting their symptoms checked out, one way you can overcome this is to find a physical reason to visit the doctor, such as getting a check-up for a physical symptom they are experiencing. You can then use that opportunity to discuss any other challenges they’re experiencing.
• Document their experience – pay attention to your loved one’s behaviour, memory problems, and changes in cognitive function. Note down specific examples of when and how their behaviour or memory has been affected. This will be valuable when discussing the issue with healthcare professionals.
• Provide assurance and support – this can be a difficult time for your loved one. Having a calm, encouraging attitude can help them cope with their anxieties and fears.

Do you need local quality dementia support in Canberra? Home Caring helps people with dementia live happy, healthy lives in their own home. To learn more about our specialist dementia care program, please get in touch with our customer service team.

If you are living with dementia, getting a home care provider to assist you with daily life can be a good way to help you be more independent, safe and well. Here are some practical ways home care can benefit someone living with dementia:

• Daily routine support – a carer can help you or your loved one stick to a daily routine, so you feel more at ease and less confused or worried.
• Companionship – carers provide great companionship and emotional support, and can help solve any problems that pop up.
• Assistance with everyday tasks – from getting ready in the morning to going to bed at night, carers can give a hand with daily life.
• Medication management – your carer can help you stay on top of your medication, so you can take the right dosage.
• Meal preparation – this includes help with preparing healthy meals, and ensuring you or your loved one drinks enough water to stay hydrated.
• Fun and engaging activities – a carer can help you or your loved one take part in enjoyable activities, including social interaction and exercise to help you stay fit and healthy.
• Repsite care – a home care provider can provide loved ones with downtime by taking over caring responsibilities, to prevent burnout.
• A consistent care team – you or your loved one can receive personal attention and build a strong bond with their carer, creating a sense of security.
• Being able to stay at home – home care lets your loved one stay at home amongst your community and existing support network, rather than moving into residential care before they are ready.

Are you looking for in home dementia care in Canberra? Home Caring provides tailored support so people with dementia can enjoy independent living. To find out more about our dementia care services, please get in touch.

you are living with dementia and are over the age of 65, you might be eligible for the Home Care Packages program: the primary source of funding for home care services in Australia. Under this program, seniors can access government-subsidised packages tailored to deliver care and support services within the comfort of their own homes.

To apply for a Home Care Package, the first step is to undergo a comprehensive assessment conducted by either the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. These assessment teams will determine your eligibility and evaluate your care needs through a one on one meeting. You can arrange an assessment by calling My Aged Care or visiting the website.

Once you have been approved for a Home Care Package, you have the freedom to select a service provider that you like, and work with them to create a personalised care plan that caters to your needs. Home Care Packages include a wide array of services, such as personal care, nursing assistance, support with daily living activities, respite care, and specialised dementia support. Government funding goes towards your care services, and you may be asked to contribute a certain amount based on your income and financial circumstances.

Do you need a dementia carer in Canberra? Home Caring’s local teams of home care professionals can help you, or your loved one, achieve quality of life at home. To find out more about our services, please get in touch with our dedicated team.

The Home Care Package program in Australia offers four different levels of support, each tailored to varying levels of care needs. The level of support you are approved for is determined through an assessment process conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). They evaluate your care needs and allocate you to the appropriate level, based on your requirements. These levels are:

Home Care Package Level 1 (HCP Level 1): this level provides basic care and support for individuals with low care needs. It may include assistance with simple tasks like cleaning, housework, and meal preparation.

Home Care Package Level 2 (HCP Level 2): level 2 offers a bit more support than Level 1 and is suitable for those with low to moderate care needs. It includes services like personal care (e.g. help with getting in the shower) and some nursing care.

Home Care Package Level 3 (HCP Level 3): level 3 is for seniors with moderate care needs. It provides a higher level of support, including more comprehensive personal care, nursing care, and allied health services.

Home Care Package Level 4 (HCP Level 4): this is the highest level of support within the Home Care Package program and is designed for people with high care needs. It includes a wide range of services, including complex nursing care, or 24-hour care.

As registered aged care providers, Home Caring provides all levels of Home Care Packages to meet a variety of aged care needs. To find out more about dementia care at home in Canberra and what level of care you might need, please get in touch with our caring team. We’re happy to help.

Yes, you can use your Home Care Package to access respite care services for your loved one. This provides a temporary break for family members, so that they can take a break or tend to other responsibilities while a professional carer steps in and takes over the caring responsibilities.

To add respite care to your loved one's Home Care Package plan, a good place to start is scheduling a meeting or conversation with your case manager, so you can have a chat about your loved one’s needs. During the discussion, find out what respite care options are available, such having a carer come to their home, residential respite for a temporary period of time, or a day program. Your case manager will assess your loved one’s needs and work with you both to incorporate respite care services that meet their goals and preferences.

Taking breaks through respite care is important, if you are a family carer. It gives you a chance to take care of your own health, have a more balanced life, do things you enjoy and spend time with friends. Plus, it ensures that the person with dementia receives quality care, even when the main caregiver is taking a break. It’s a win-win situation—it helps both the caregiver and the person they're looking after to have a better quality of life.

Do you need dementia care in Canberra? Home Caring provides high quality dementia care support for people in the local Canberra community and beyond. To find out more about our dedicated professionals, please get in touch with our friendly staff.

Caring for someone with dementia is a valuable thing to do, but it isn’t an easy journey. Here’s eight tips on how look after yourself when supporting someone with dementia:

• Learn about dementia – find out more about dementia and how it changes over time, as knowing this can help you deal with the challenges better. Organisations like Dementia Australia are a great place to start.
• Get help from others – talk to your family, friends, and people who take care of someone with dementia. They can share their experiences and advice and help with difficult decisions, which can provide encouragement.
• Take breaks – plan time for yourself regularly. Respite care can help you take a break from caring, so you can rest and feel better.
• Do the things you enjoy – make sure you continue to do things that refresh you and recharge your batteries. Taking care of yourself is important for your health.
• Use tools to stay organised – calendars and reminders can help you remember important things like appointments, medicines, and daily routines.
• Talk to a professional – if you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to talk to a therapist or counsellor. They can help you process your feelings.
• Stay connected – keep in touch with friends and do things you like outside of your caring role. Being alone too much can make you feel isolated, so stay social.
• Know when to ask for more help – if you find it too hard to care for your loved one, it might be time to consider other options like hiring a home care provider. Your wellbeing matters too.

Do you need dementia care in Australia? Home Caring helps family members and loved ones in their caring role by providing professional support. To find out more, please get in touch with our customer service team.