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Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. Founded by carers more than 35 years ago, today they are the national peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Vision and mission

Dementia Australia advocates for positive change and supports vital research. They are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible.

They involve people impacted by dementia and their experiences  in Dementia Australia's activities and decision-making, to make sure they are representative of the diverse range of dementia experiences. Dementia Australia amplifies the voices of people impacted by dementia through advocating and sharing stories to help inform and inspire others.

How Dementia Australia can help

Many of the services delivered by Dementia Australia are funded by the Australian Government and delivered across Australia in every state and territory.

Services include:

  • National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500)
  • Counselling support
  • Support for people recently diagnosed
  • Support for families and carers
  • Support for younger onset dementia
  • Post-diagnostic support
  • Public awareness campaigns and activities
  • National resources program

Information lines / help lines

  • National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 — The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Programs and apps and tools

  • Request an information kit — Free digital dementia information kit.
  • A Better Visit — Free app featuring a range of two-player games designed to enhance communication and facilitate positive social interactions between people with dementia and their visitors.
  • Dementia-Friendly Home — An app that provides carers with ideas to make their home more accessible for people living with dementia.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: May 2022

Information from this partner

Found 128 results

Delirium and dementia

This Q&A sheet provides information about what delirium is, and, how it relates to people with dementia.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Adapting your home

The physical environment can have a major impact on a person living with dementia.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Pets and dementia | Dementia Australia

Pets are an important part of the life of many people. This Help Sheet discusses some of the benefits of pets for people with dementia.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Planning: minimal capacity | Dementia Australia

Helping someone with minimal capacity You may be caring for someone who has lost capacity suddenly as a result of an accident or an acute illness. Alternatively, it might be someone who has lost capacity gradually from a progressive illness such as dementia. How decisions are made by, and for, this person will not always be clear-cut. They should continue to have as much input to decisions as is possible, given their individual circumstances. However it may get to a point where they do not have the capacity to do this and you will have to make decisions for them.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease | Dementia Australia

Research has established a link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. This page explains what is currently known about this link, and discusses the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome and some information about where to find additional support.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Spending time with your loved one | Dementia Australia

Visiting Visiting in the later stages of dementia Outings Parting Wanting to go home Support groups Contact us Even after a person with dementia has moved into a residential care facility, many people choose to stay involved with practical caring tasks such as assis

Read more on Dementia Australia website

I am a carer, family member, or friend | Dementia Australia

Information and ideas for carers, family members, and friends. Activities for people with dementia Advance care planning Caring for someone who lives alone

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Alzheimer's disease | Dementia Australia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a physical brain condition resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. It disrupts the brain’s neurons, affecting how they work and communicate with each other.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Changes in behaviour | Dementia Australia

Dementia affects people in different ways and changes in the behaviour or emotional state of a person living with dementia are common. Changes can include anxiety, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, loss of inhibition and depression. There are many reasons why someone living with dementia may behave in a certain way. Every person will react differently. Sometimes the behaviour may be caused by:

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Counselling support | Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia offers free, confidential, professional counselling for individuals, families and couples at all stages of a dementia journey.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

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