Dementia Care

Deciding on when a loved one should enter full-time care is tricky. There are a number of factors that influence whether someone should enter fulltime care. 

Stage and Symptoms 

Severity of Dementia 

In the early stages, many people are capable of living at home with minimal support. However, as dementia progresses, the level of care changes and you will find you need more support. 

Safety Concerns 

If someone is wandering, forgetting to turn off the stove, or engaging in other risky behaviors, this could mean that a move is needed sooner rather than later. 

Medical Needs 

Frequent hospital visits, specialized treatments, or a decline in overall health may require a level of care that can't be provided at home. 
 

Carer Capacity 

Carer Burnout 

Providing 24/7 care can be emotionally and physically draining. Caregiver health is a big consideration and if you’re not coping, then it might be time to consider aged care. 

Skill Level 

Managing the symptoms of dementia, particularly as it progresses, often requires specialized skills, which professional caregivers may be better equipped to provide. 

Quality of Life 

Social Interaction 

Loneliness and social isolation can worsen symptoms of dementia. Aged care homes often provide regular social activities and other residents to connect with. Other families in aged care can also offer community for caregivers who are all going through the same thing. 

Routine 

A consistent routine can be easier to maintain in an aged care setting, and routine is often beneficial for people with dementia. 

As with any complex medical scenario, it’s important you consult healthcare professionals (such as through an ACAT Assessment) before making long term decisions. 

Dementia care usually costs about the same as home care or aged care, but like any other costs through My Aged Care it is entirely dependent on the level of care you’re receiving, as well as your income and assets. 

However, the main difference you might find is that dementia rooms in an aged care home may be more expensive than standard rooms. So, while the cost of care might be the same, or similar, the cost of rooms can potentially be more expensive. 

You can learn more about the costs of care at home or in aged care here: 

• Cost of home care 

• Aged care costs & fees explained (with printout) 

It depends.  

The level of care someone with dementia needs can depend on how far advanced their dementia is and even other factors such as mobility can play a part in assessing someone's need for either home care or residential care. 

Advantages of caring for a loved one at home 

Familiar Environment 

Being in a known and comfortable setting can be reassuring for a person with dementia and may help minimize symptoms like agitation or confusion. 

Family Involvement 

Family members can be more easily involved in day-to-day care and decisions. 

Challenges of caring for a loved one at home 

Caregiver Burden 

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and can become increasingly demanding as the condition progresses. 

Safety 

The home must be adapted to ensure the safety of the person with dementia, including measures to prevent wandering, falls, and other accidents. 

Professional Skills 

As dementia progresses, the level of medical and nursing care required can become overwhelming. 

How to best manage care at home 

Training & understanding of dementia 

Caregivers can benefit from training on how to manage behavioral symptoms, administer medications, and provide physical care.  

An excellent resource for training is the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre which provides free courses on understanding and managing dementia 

Regular Respite Care 

To prevent caregiver burnout, families can use respite services (from providers like St Vincent’s), which offer short-term, temporary relief.  
 

With proper support, it is possible to care for someone with dementia, but we highly recommended chatting with health professionals and getting an ACAT assessment before making any decisions about where you should receive care. 

Dementia is a collection of symptoms which affects mental processes in a number of ways, from impaired communication to memory loss. These symptoms are caused by a variety of conditions:

1. Alzheimer’s Disease
2. Vascular Dementia
3. Lewy Body Disease
4. Frontotemporal Dementia
5. Huntington’s Disease
6. Alcohol Related Dementia

Excellence in care for people living with dementia is all about quality of life and choice. Choice for the person living with the symptoms of the disease and those making decisions for their care.

While our tailored approach to care doesn’t change for people with dementia, the attributes that make great care become even more important.

To work with people who have dementia it’s especially important that staff are:

• Patient
• Understanding
• Consistent
• And inclusive

They can’t be afraid to politely repeat themselves. And they must always take into account a person’s personal preferences: things they do like and especially the things they don’t.

Every St Vincent’s care worker receives dementia training through their qualifications which assists in delivering consistent and excellent care for people with dementia.

You may be eligible for dementia care if you are an older person living with dementia and need help with your day-to-day care needs.

You will need to undertake a face-to-face assessment to determine your eligibility. The criteria is the same for permanent residential aged care.

At St Vincent’s, aged care support staff receive training through their qualifications in working with people who have dementia. Whether in home, in respite or in residential aged care, St Vincent’s can provide the care or advice you need to be as best supported as possible.

Learn more about staff and qualifications at St Vincent's