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Dementia assessments

If you care for someone with dementia, your doctor can help arrange an assessment for that person or you can arrange one directly through My Aged Care.

This assessment will work out what support the person needs, ranging from help with basic tasks at home to more intensive aged care services.

There are also care packages and other services that can be organised, based on individual need, which you can access to help you in your caring role. For more information, visit the My Aged Care website.

Last reviewed: November 2016

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Alzheimer's Australia | Culturally and linguistically diverse resources

Dementia resources for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale Culturally Appropriate Dementia Assessment Tools are available for screening and diagnostic assessment of people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

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Alzheimer's Australia | The later stages of dementia

People with dementia differ in the rate with which their abilities change. But because dementia is a progressive condition, their abilities will deteriorate. Most people in the later stages of dementia need total care and usually receive this in a residential facility. Some families and carers though do choose to care for the person at home.

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Alzheimer's Australia | Depression and dementia

What is depression? Depression is usually described as feelings of extreme sadness. It describes both a mood and a syndrome. A depressed mood may be:

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Alzheimer's Australia | Choosing a residential facility

After the ACAT assessment Looking at residential facilities Good design in a residential facility for people with dementia Deciding on a facility Contact us

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Clinical Assessment

The clinical assessment of a patient needs to be impeccable, comprehensive, systematic and ongoing. A structured approach to assessment is preferable.

Assessing Prognosis

Validated prognostic tools and indicators are provided for common medical conditions including advanced cancer, endstage organ failure, and progressive neurological diseases and dementia

Alzheimer's Australia | Organisations and services that can support you

Advocacy

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Caring for a resident with dementia

Residents with dementia may not be able to tell people if they have pain or other problems. Residential aged care staff use assessment tools and guidelines, as well as their experience and knowledge of each person, to help them know when a resident is in pain, or if their pain is getting worse. These tools help residential aged care staff to give residents the right care at the right time. Families can talk to residential aged care staff about the kind of assessment tools they use to help plan t

Alzheimer's Australia | Informing the person with dementia

Preparing for the diagnosis The person undergoing the assessment for dementia should be allowed to decide if they want to know if the diagnosis is confirmed. In general, if a person is aware that they are going for a diagnosis they will be able to make that choice. It is recommended that a person with dementia be told of their diagnosis. However, a person has a right not to know their diagnosis if that is their clear and informed preference.

Read more on Alzheimer's Australia website

Alzheimer's Australia | Deciding on residential care

Where to begin Types of residential facilities Getting assessed for residential care Planning for the move Taking care of yourself Contact us

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Dementia assessments