


Dementia is obviously a distressing condition for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. For the person with dementia, many aspects of life can become muddled. That’s why maintaining a large degree of familiarity for as long as possible is important. And nothing is as familiar as one’s own home.
Dementia is a distressing condition for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. For the person with dementia, many aspects of life can become muddled. That’s why maintaining a large degree of familiarity for as long as possible is important. And nothing is as familiar as one’s own home.
While the circumstances of every person with dementia are different, there are some situations that apply to a large number of people, particularly those still living alone. Obviously, some are minor, but others might have concerning consequences and need to be monitored. These include:
Aside from monitoring the common issues listed above and putting in place processes that minimise the chance of them occurring, there are several other things that a carer can do to assist someone with dementia who is living in their own home. These include:
Government subsidies are available for Home Care Packages. The Australian Government’s Home Care Package Program helps people live independently in their own home for as long as they can.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages. Each level of Home Care Package provides a different subsidy amount. The amount is paid to an approved Home Care provider that the person requiring care (or their appointed representative) has selected. The subsidy contributes to the total cost of their service and care delivery. It is also expected that they will contribute to the cost of their care, through a basic daily fee, and in some cases, an income-tested care fee.
The four package levels are structured as follows:
* The maximum government contribution increases each year. The individual amount that will be paid to the provider will depend on whether you are asked to pay an income-tested care fee.
For more information about the Home Care Package Program, including eligibility criteria, visit My Aged Care or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
On top of a Home Care Package, there is additional funding in the form of a Dementia and Cognition Supplement. This recognises that caring for someone with dementia is complex and requires more support, so it provides an extra 10% on top of your Package.
For more information about the supplement and eligibility criteria visit the Department of Health website for a detailed guide.
If you want to talk about Home Care options, contact CareAbout for more information, for answers to your questions, and to put you in touch with a Home Care provider who specialises in dementia care.
CareAbout can help you locate and importantly choose the Home Care services and packages that are right for you. There are many options for Aged Care services that let you comfortably stay in your own home and get the support and assistance you need.