Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of Australians, with an estimated 446,500 Australians currently living with dementia. Behind every diagnosis is a family trying to understand what it means not only for their loved one but for the whole family.
Along with feelings of uncertainty, families feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what support is available and how to access it. It is physically and emotionally exhausting dealing with My Aged Care, organising assessments and then finding the right providers.
This is why having the right guidance matters.
At Navigate Aged Care Solutions, I support families across Perth with dementia care planning, aged care advocacy, home care guidance and care finding, residential care support, and emotional support for carers.
My approach is always person-centred, practical and grounded in the understanding that dementia affects every person differently.
Understanding Dementia and Changing Care Needs
Dementia is a broad term used to describe brain pathology that can affect memory, thinking, behaviour, communication, and everyday living. Symptoms and progression vary from person to person, so care needs can change significantly over time.
In the early stages, someone may need only minimal support with appointments, reminders, or daily routines. As dementia progresses, families often begin to notice changes in memory and recall, mobility, communication, social interaction, or emotional well-being.
One of the biggest challenges for families is knowing when it is time to introduce more support and what type of support is appropriate.
Planning Home Support for Someone Living With Dementia
Many people living with dementia wish to remain at home for as long as possible, and with the right support this can be achieved.
To do this well, it is important to find providers and support workers who genuinely understand dementia. Many providers promote dementia care, but when you dig deeper, you find their support workers and care partners have minimal knowledge or experience with dementia care.
As a dementia consultant and aged care advocate in Perth, I help families:
- Understand available home care options
- Care finding services
- Identify suitable dementia-friendly providers
- Navigate Support at Home and aged care services
- Plan for changing care needs over time
- Reduce stress around decision-making
The goal is not just to “put services in place.” It is to create a support network around the person and their caregivers, with the aim of reducing carer fatigue, supporting each individual’s uniqueness, and anticipating their changing needs.
Families can also explore government aged care services through My Aged Care.
Supporting the Carer Matters
Many carers experience a range of emotions within their role, such as stress, exhaustion, grief and isolation. The well-being of the carer is as important as that of the person living with dementia.
I help carers and families with both the practical and emotional challenges of dementia care. This may involve counselling, implementing strategies, education or referrals to dementia therapists and specialty services.
Connecting families with dementia support groups and others with a lived experience is also a major part of my role.
A Dementia-Friendly and Person-Centred Approach
My work in dementia care is very important to me and something I am passionate about.
I am an active member of the City of Swan’s Dementia Alliance and facilitate a weekly memory cafe for people living with dementia and their carers.
I work closely within the Perth dementia community and stay connected to services and initiatives that support people living with dementia.
Every person’s journey is different. That is why my approach focuses on dignity, emotional well-being, safety, and maintaining the essence of the person with dementia.
Good dementia care is never just about tasks or routines. It is always about understanding the person behind the diagnosis.
Planning for the Road Ahead
One of the most valuable things families can do is educate themselves about the disease and plan early. Care needs can change quite quickly, and having a plan in place often reduces stress later on.
This should include having all legal documents sorted, such as an Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship, and an Advanced Health Directive. Discussions about end-of-life care and residential care options, if required, are very important.
Families do not need to navigate all of this alone. I can walk beside you and support you as required.
Knowing When Residential Dementia Care May Be Needed
This is often one of the hardest conversations families face. Sometimes care at home is no longer sustainable as safety risks increase, care needs become more complex, or carers are burnt out.
Residential dementia care can provide 24/7 support, clinical oversight, and a safer environment for people living with dementia.
Choosing the right dementia care provider means looking beyond brochures and appearances. It is important to consider:
- Staff understanding of dementia
- Consistency of care staff
- Communication approaches
- Environment and routine
- Emotional wellbeing and engagement
- How behaviours are managed
- Whether the approach feels genuinely person-centred
How I Can Help
If your family is navigating dementia care and feeling unsure about where to start, I can help you understand your options and plan your next steps in a calm and practical way.
At Navigate Aged Care Solutions, I support families across Perth with dementia care education and planning, home care support and guidance on residential aged care.
Together we can create a pathway that supports both you and your loved one.
If you would like to talk through your situation or get guidance on the next steps, get in touch with me and let’s figure out what will work best for you.