Dementia Support

Primary Health Networks received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (The Commission). The funding ensures patients have better access to dementia information and provides GPs with additional resources to assist with supporting patients and their carers.  

The Consumer Support Pathways program is one component of the dementia program. It is complemented by the support of GPs.

In 2022, we: 

• Consulted a wide range of dementia and health services, support groups, patients living with dementia and family carers to understand the current assistance available and any gaps
• Distributed fact sheets from Dementia Australia to support groups, community organisations and general practices
• Participated in local community events and provided resources to promote available dementia supports

The funding will support the program throughout 2023 and until 2025 and will continue to help provide education for primary care on various aspects of dementia care.

If you are interested in future training opportunities, register your interest by sending an email to Monique Pryce - Program Development Officer – Community Development or by calling 4708 8100.

Resources

There are a range of services and supports available in the community to assist people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families.

• Live Well with Dementia services available in our region (download and print flyers): 
  Blue Mountains  |  Hawkesbury  |  Penrith  |  Lithgow 
• Visiting a Health Professional? Tips for people with dementia - Tips for people living with dementia visiting a health professional, or helping someone with dementia visiting a health professional - adapted from the Nortthern Health Literacy Project, a joint project between Northern NSW LHD and Healthy North Coast PHN.
• 8 questions that families and carers can ask aged care providers - Dementia Australia article, updated Nov 2023.
• 10 questions to ask –These 10 questions to ask about dementia care are written as if your parent is asking the facility management, but you can ask management too on their behalf.
• Dementia Australia – Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people impacted by Dementia in Australia. Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education, support, and advocacy services.
• Dementia Support Australia (DSA) - DSA is an organization that has a team of dementia specialists who work closely alongside people with dementia and their carers to ensure that adequate support is provided in managing symptoms and behaviours. This also includes provision of capacity building tools as well as support for people living within remote areas.
• Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) - DBMAS provides free support and advice to service providers and individuals caring for people living with dementia. DBMAS helps where behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are affecting a person’s care.
• Forward With Dementia – Forward with Dementia provides an online resource which allows people with dementia and their carers to access up-to-date clinical information, practical suggestions, and stories to support in managing the condition.
• Respite Care – Assistance with respite for carers is important to ensure both the carer and the person living with dementia are receiving adequate support. There are many ways carers of people with dementia can make the most of respite care. Please access the link to view the different respite options available.
• Vera – The Vera music platform is a software that supports individuals living with dementia by using music to help unlock parts of the brain which are responsible for long-term memory.
• Wellness E-book – Anglicare offers a wellness e-book that is readily available to provide dementia support strategies to carers. This e-book focuses on the importance of health and wellbeing for carers.