Dementia Care Brisbane

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of cognitive disorders that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for a significant portion of dementia cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more.

Symptoms of dementia can vary, but often include:

• Memory loss – difficulty in remembering recent events, names, and other information
• Impaired communication – struggling to find words or follow a conversation
• Impaired reasoning and judgment – difficulty making decisions or making sound judgments
• Disorientation – becoming confused about time, place, and identity
• Decline in visual perception – struggling to interpret visual information and judge distances
• Changes in behaviour – personality changes, mood swings, agitation, and withdrawal
• Difficulty with daily tasks – struggling with familiar tasks like cooking, personal care, or managing finances

Diagnosing dementia involves a thorough medical history, cognitive assessments, neurological exams, and sometimes brain imaging (like MRI or PET scans) to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline.

While there is no cure for most types of dementia, certain treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. It's important to consult with medical professionals for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Are you looking for quality dementia home care in Brisbane for you, or your family member? Home Caring provides specialist aged care for people living with dementia, so they can continue living in their local community. For more information about dementia support services in Brisbane, please get in touch with our care workers.

If you are living with dementia, a government-funded Home Care Package can help you get the support and assistance you need to keep living at home, and avoid moving into residential care before you are ready.

Home Care Packages are designed to help older people, including those with dementia, continue to live independently in their own homes by receiving tailored care and support services. Packages can be customised to address your specific needs, and can include various services that are beneficial for people with dementia. Here are some of the ways a Home Care Package can support you at home:

• Personal care – a carer can assist you with tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and other daily living activities
• Nursing Care – if you have medical needs related to dementia or other health conditions, a Home Care Package may include nursing services to help with medication management, wound care, or other healthcare requirements.
• Allied health services – you can use your package to see occupational therapists, speech therapists, or physiotherapists who can provide specialised care for dementia-related challenges.
• Respite care – a carer can provide professional respite services, allowing your primary carer or family members to take a break while someone else looks after you.
• Home modifications – in some cases, funding from a Home Care Package can be used for home modifications to make your living environment safer and more dementia-friendly.
• Social support – social interaction is crucial for people with dementia. Home Care Packages may cover services like companionship, social outings, or activities that stimulate cognitive functions.

Are you searching for a qualified dementia carer in Brisbane? Home Caring provides professional support for people with dementia, subsidised through your Home Care Package. We deliver quality care from a team with plenty of heart. To find out more, please get in touch.

To access a government-funded Home Care Package, you will need to undergo an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). They will have a chat to you about your needs, assess your eligibility, and determine the level of care you require. You can apply for an assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or by filling out an application form on the My Aged Care website. You can also apply for an assessment on behalf of a loved one.

If your application is approved, you will be contacted by an ACAT team member, who will arrange to visit you at home, and chat to you about your needs. They may chat to you about:

• your health conditions, medications, and any mobility or medical needs you may have
• what you can do on your own and where you may need help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, or cooking
• if your family or friends help you and how much support you receive from them
• if your home is safe and suitable for your needs. They might ask about any home modifications you need
• any medical services or nursing care you may require
• how you're feeling emotionally and if you have any concerns
• whether you need services from therapists like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists
• your cultural and language preferences, to determine culturally appropriate care
• your preferences and what you want for your care and support

Once you are approved for a Home Care Package, you can work with a service provider to develop a care plan that suits your specific needs and preferences, including dementia-specific care. Keep in mind that there may be waiting lists for Home Care Packages, so it's a good idea to apply as soon as you think you may need one.

Home Caring provides quality Home Care Packages, so you can continue living at home for as long as possible. For more information about dementia care at home in Brisbane, please get in touch with our experienced team.

A dementia home care service can help you in many ways, if you or your loved one is living with dementia. Here are some benefits to receiving care at home, rather than moving into an aged care facility before you need to.

• Living at home can be comforting and less overwhelming for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia. Living in a friendly environment can help reduce feelings of anxiety, and help you feel calm and secure.
• Home care providers offer personalised care tailored to your specific needs. They are able to adapt to your routine and schedule, providing a more individualised level of care.
• A carer can help you live more independently at home. They can support you with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and eating, while still enabling you to do things on your own where possible.
• Carers can help you engage in fun and stimulating activities, help you stay social and engaged with your local community, and support you to take part in activities that promote better health and wellbeing.
• Providers can assess your living situation and help make your home environment safer to prevent accidents and injuries. They can also help you access mobility equipment and assistive technology to improve your quality of life.

Do you need dementia support in Brisbane? Home Caring provides personalised and experienced dementia care, to help you live comfortably at home. For more information, please get in touch with our friendly customer service team.

In Australia, Home Care Package recipients can use their package to access respite care. This service offers temporary relief to family carers, allowing them to take a break while ensuring that their loved one continues to receive proper care and support. To access government-funded respite care, discuss your needs with their Home Care Package provider, who will work with you to incorporate this type of support into their care plan. Your plan should outline the frequency and duration of respite care sessions, which can be tailored to your loved one’s specific requirements.

Do you need dementia care in Brisbane? Home Caring provides qualified, compassionate person-centred care for happy lives. To find out more about our specialist dementia care program, please get in touch with our customer support team.

Providing care for someone with dementia is one of the most important roles in our society, but it can be exhausting and challenging work, especially for family members. Getting enough support is vital, so you can look after yourself and avoid burning out. If you’re providing dementia support in Australia, here are some ways you can get the support you need.

• Find a support network. Organisations like Carer Gateway or Dementia Australia provide valuable information and assistance for those caring for their loved ones or family members. These hubs can be an excellent resource for seeking advice, finding support, and connecting with people who can offer a listening ear when you're feeling stressed or anxious. Dementia Australia has a dedicated phone line for inquiries, support groups for carers to connect with one another, and online tools to enhance your understanding of dementia care.
• Explore respite care options. It’s good to regularly take a break from your carer responsibilities. Enlisting the help of professional support workers to look after your loved one while you take time for yourself or attend to other commitments can help prevent burnout. By prioritising your own wellbeing and ensuring your needs are met, you'll be better equipped to provide quality care.
• Apply for government-funded home care. If your loved one's ability to manage everyday tasks is affected by dementia, you can apply for government-funded home care, either on your loved one's behalf or together. This assistance can address their needs and offer guidance, problem-solving strategies, and support for the daily challenges you encounter while caring for someone with dementia.
• Reach out to your friends and family. When you're experiencing stress or sadness, it's important to talk about your emotions with someone. Sharing your feelings as a carer can be beneficial, so consider confiding in those close to you, or participating in dementia support groups. These groups offer an opportunity for people like yourself to share experiences and offer mutual assistance, reminding you that you're not alone.

Seeking dementia care in Australia? Home Caring provides professional dementia carer support in Brisbane, to support you and your family member. For more information on care to people with dementia, please get in touch.

There is a wide range of services that can help make life better if you have dementia, and they can be adapted to meet your needs as they change. These services include:

• Help with personal things like bathing, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom
• Getting assistance with planning and making healthy meals
• Managing your medications and providing health monitoring
• Having someone to talk to and spend time with, to keep you connected socially
• Doing activities that keep your mind and memory active
• Help with moving around your home safely, like getting in and out of chairs or beds
• Getting rides to doctor's appointments, social events, and other places
• Making sure your home is safe and fixing any hazards
• Getting help with light cleaning, organizing, and doing laundry
• Doing exercises and activities to keep your body strong and moving
• Assistance with handling challenging behaviours linked to dementia
• Creating a calm and supportive atmosphere
• Offering a break for your loved ones who take care of you
• Making changes to your home, like adding handrails or ramps, to make it safer and easier to get around
• Receiving nursing care, including medical services, wound care, and health monitoring, to keep you well
• Having someone to help coordinate your care and services, so you get what you need

Looking for in home dementia care in Brisbane? Home Caring offers dementia care at home in Brisbane suburbs, helping people enjoy life to the full while supporting family members as they care for their loved ones. To find out more, please get in touch.