Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term which describes symptoms such as loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions. The term Younger Onset Dementia is used to describe any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65.
For more information about dementia, visit Dementia Australia
The term Younger Onset Dementia is used to describe any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65. You can access Government supports through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
You can also look at the National Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker Program which provides individualised information and support to improve the quality of life for people with younger onset dementia, their family and carers.
You can access Government supports for people diagnosed with dementia over the age of 65, through myagedcare.
For more detailed information about dementia, visit Dementia Australia or the National Dementia Helpline.
Caring for someone with dementia can become more challenging and stressful as the condition progresses. Knowing that you can take a short break can reduce your stress and help you to re-energise and continue to care for the one you love.
Respite means different things to different people and it can occur in different places. It can vary from a couple of hours, to a few days or weeks. The services we provide to enable you to take a break include:
In conjunction with Dementia ACT, we regularly host dementia education sessions to ensure you are given relevant and practical information to support you in your caring role.
Some of the past topics have included an introduction to dementia, driving and dementia, life story book creations, and practical and meaningful activities and supports that can be performed within your home. We try to tailor sessions around issues being faced by carers.
The full list of our education activities are listed on the What’s On calendar.
We regularly host respite retreats for carers of a person with dementia living in the Illawarra Region. This program is offered to people caring for someone over the age of 65 living in their own home. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact our office at respite.coordinators@carersact.org.au
Feelings of Reluctance on Respite
Making the Most of Respite
Dementia Australia National Dementia Helpline | 1800 100 500 Your call will be answered by your local Alzheimer’s office. Advice, support and information will be provided.
Dementia Support Australia| 1800 699 799 a 24-hour helpline designed to support anyone who is caring for someone living with dementia whose behaviour is changing and becoming a concern.
NPS Medicinewise – Medicines and dementia: what you need to know
Dementia Training Australia (DTA) – Funded by the Australian Government, DTA is a consortium of experts in dementia care and workforce training.
Understanding Dementia – Free Online Course – The University of Tasmania’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Understanding Dementia, is an easily accessible 9-week online course that builds upon the latest in international research on dementia. It’s free and anyone can enrol.
Bladderbowel.gov.au – Information to assist with the prevention and management of bladder and bowel problems.
My Aged Care – Caring for someone with dementia Practical advice and information for carers of someone with dementia
Carer Gateway – Caring for someone with dementia Carer Gateway is a national service funded by the Australian Government that provides website resources and phone service for carers to access practical information and support.
