Dementia Care Gold Coast

Dementia is a general term used to describe a range of symptoms that affect a person's ability to think, remember, and perform everyday activities. It’s not one specific disease but a syndrome. Dementia is more common in those who are older, but it can affect people of all ages.

Some common types of dementia include Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia, and Younger Onset Dementia. Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and communication, impaired judgment, and changes in mood and behaviour.

Dementia requires a clinical diagnosis through extensive medical evaluation, including neurological tests, brain imaging, and cognitive assessments. While there is no cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis and good management can help improve quality of life.

Do you need dementia home care on the Gold Coast? Home Caring provides support services for people in living with dementia, and their family carers. To find out more about our dementia support services on the Gold Coast, please get in touch. We’re happy to help.

If you think someone you care about might have dementia, it can be tricky to figure out what to do. Firstly, it’s important to note that many cognitive issues can present like dementia, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Starting with a visit to the GP is a good first step, as they can give an initial diagnosis and, if necessary, connect your loved one with specialists like geriatricians and neurologists for further examination.

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to assist:

• Talk to your loved one. Have a gentle conversation about any difficulties they're facing, and let them know you're there to support them. Sometimes they might not even realise their symptoms or might be in denial, so be patient and understanding.
• Listen. While you may feel the need to express your concerns, make sure you take the time to listen and understand what your loved one is experiencing, so they feel heard and valued.
• Choose the right time and place. Find a calm, private, and comfortable setting to discuss your concerns – somewhere you can avoid loud noises, distractions and interruptions. Choose a moment when your loved one is relaxed and receptive to speak about your concerns.
• Encourage a doctor's visit. If your loved one is reluctant to get their symptoms checked, suggest a doctor's visit for another reason, like a physical symptom. This gives them an opportunity to bring up their other challenges they’re experiencing during the visit.
• Keep a record. Pay attention to your loved one’s behaviour, memory issues, and changes in thinking. Write down specific examples of when and how their behaviour or memory was affected. This information will be helpful when talking to healthcare professionals.
• Help them do some research. If you loved one is diagnosed with dementia, seek out information, services, local or online support groups for both of you. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
• Offer reassurance and support. Keep in mind that this is a tough time for your loved one, as a dementia diagnosis can be confronting. Being calm and supportive can help them deal with their worries and fears.

Looking for personalised dementia support on the Gold Coast? Home Caring provides person-centred support for people living with dementia, no matter what stage of the disease. To find out more about our services, please get in touch with our friendly team.

The Australian government offers a wide range of home care and support services for individuals with dementia through the Home Care Packages program. This is a coordinated package of services that help people with dementia live as independently and comfortably as possible at home. It also provides support to family members in their caring role. Here are some of the services you can access through the Home Care Packages program:

• Specialist dementia support, including care plans, activities, and strategies to manage challenging behaviours
• Respite care from a professional support worker, allowing family members to take a break
• Meal planning and preparation to support a nutritious diet and proper hydration
• Domestic assistance – e.g. house cleaning, laundry, and general home maintenance to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment
• Personal care services to provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Allied health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and podiatry.
• Companionship and social support to help people with dementia stay connected to those around them
• Nursing services at home, including round the clock clinical care
• Medication management services to ensure that people with dementia take their medications correctly
• Transportation services to get to medical appointments, social activities, and other outings
• Counselling services for individuals and families dealing with dementia. Support groups can provide a valuable network for sharing experiences and coping strategies
• Assistive technology solutions, such as personal alarms, GPS tracking devices, and telehealth services to monitor and support individuals with dementia

Do you need home dementia care on the Gold Coast? Home Caring provides quality Home Care Packages that are tailored to your individual needs. To learn more about our dementia care services, please get in touch with our customer service team.

If 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 access a Home Care Package, you first need to complete an assessment conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). An ACAT assessment evaluates your eligibility and care needs, and works out what time of support is best suited to your needs. You can apply for an assessment by calling My Aged Care or visiting the My Aged Care website. An ACAT assessor will then get in touch to arrange a face-to-face meeting, usually in your home.

Once you have been approved for a Home Care Package, you can choose a provider that best meets your needs, and collaborate with them to create a tailored care plan. Depending on the level of funding you’re approved for, you’ll have access to a range of different services, such as personal care, domestic assistance, nursing assistance, assistive technology, support with daily living activities, transport, respite care, allied health therapies, and specialised dementia services.

Government funding from your Home Care Package goes towards paying your care provider. Depending on your financial services, you may be asked to pay a basic daily fee and an income tested care fee, to contribute towards the cost of your care.

Looking for a dementia carer on the Gold Coast? Home Caring’s specialised team of local carers are here to help. To find out more, please get in touch with our staff team.

The Home Care Packages program is for people who are over the age of 65 (or over the age of 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people). Younger onset dementia is any form of dementia diagnosed in people who are under the age of 65. For these individuals, funding is available to access support services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This can help you connect with the supports and services you need to be independent, connect with the community, and achieve your goals.

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need to be under the age of 65 when registering, living in Australia with citizenship or residency, and have a disability (such as younger onset dementia) that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. You can apply for the NDIS through the website ndis.gov.au, or by calling 1800 800 110.

An NDIS plan can help you access services such as transport, domestic assistance, group activities, visiting a day centre for social support, personal care, allied health therapies, and nursing care. As your situation changes, you can apply to have your NDIS plan reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

Are you looking for dementia care on the Gold Coast? Home Caring provides professional home care services for seniors and people with younger onset dementia in the local Gold Coast community. To find out more, please get in touch with our friendly staff team.

Taking care of someone with dementia is a meaningful but challenging journey, so it’s important to get plenty of support along the way. Here are ten tips to help you look after yourself while supporting someone with dementia:

• Keep learning. Understanding how dementia changes over time can make it easier to cope with the challenges. Organisations like Dementia Australia can provide valuable information and resources, and there are plenty of resources and support groups online.
• Find your people. Talk to your family, friends, and other family carers who have experience with dementia. They can share their insights, offer advice, and help with tough decisions, providing much-needed encouragement when things are difficult.
• Don’t skip breaks. Schedule regular breaks for yourself, so you can recharge. Respite care can provide an opportunity for you to step away from caregiving temporarily, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate while knowing your loved one is in good hands.
• Pursue your interests. Whether it’s art, a favourite sport, getting out in nature or a fun hobby, continue doing activities that bring you joy and relaxation, so you can continue to do things that bring you meaning.
• Eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. Taking care of yourself is essential for your own wellbeing. Make sure you’re eating healthy and nourishing meals, moving your body regularly, and getting enough sleep each night.
• Use Organisational Tools. Calendars, reminders, and digital apps can help you keep track of important tasks like appointments, medications, and daily routines, and stay on top of life.
• Talk to a professional: Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counsellor if you're feeling overwhelmed. They can provide support and assist you in processing your emotions.
• Stay connected. Maintain your social connections and engage in activities you enjoy outside of your caring role. Isolation can be tough, so staying connected with friends is important.
• Get professional help. If you find caring challenging, consider exploring other options like hiring a home care provider. Your health is just as important as your loved one's health, and there are plenty of services to assist you in your role.
• Share the load as much as possible. Talk to other family members, neighbours or friends of your loved one to see if you can share the caring load. Working together is a good way to ensure no one is burnt out, and your loved one is well supported at home.

Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's a necessary part of providing the best care for your loved one with dementia. By looking after your needs, you’re ensuring that you can continue to provide care with the risk of burnout.

As registered aged care providers, Home Caring provides professional dementia care support to help people live independently for as long as possible. To find out more about dementia care at home on the Gold Coast, please get in touch with our caring team. We’re happy to help.