Dementia & mental health support at home
Explore Local Home Help guidance about dementia, mental health and support that can help a person continue living at home.
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What is a secure memory support unit (MSU) for dementia?
A secure memory support unit is a specialised part of an aged care home for people with dementia who need additional supervision and a safer environment. The best units combine security with skilled dementia care, meaningful activity, familiar routines and the least possible restriction on the person’s freedom.
Read answer →Family, Memory & Difficult ConversationsCan a person with dementia receive Support at Home?
Yes. A person with dementia can receive Support at Home when assessed as eligible.
Read answer →Family, Memory & Difficult ConversationsCan someone with dementia continue living at home?
Many people with dementia remain at home for a long time with the right mix of family, community and formal support.
Read answer →Family, Memory & Difficult ConversationsWhat help is available for a family carer supporting someone with dementia?
Support may include respite, personal care, social support, education, allied health and help coordinating services.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeWhat is residential respite care, and how many days can I use per year?
Residential respite is a temporary stay in an aged care home. Eligible people receive up to 63 subsidised days each financial year, with possible 21-day extensions approved by an assessor.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeCan I use a Home Care Package to arrange emergency or overnight respite?
Support at Home can fund planned overnight respite when it is approved and affordable within the budget. For a sudden breakdown in unpaid care, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for emergency respite options. Residential respite is a separate aged care service with its own approval and annual day limit.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeHow are staff trained specifically to manage advanced dementia behaviors?
Support at Home providers may use employees or contractors, but the registered provider remains accountable for ensuring every worker is trained, competent, briefed and supervised. For advanced dementia, families should look for demonstrated dementia-specific experience, consistent workers, an individualised support plan and access to specialist clinical or behavioural advice.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeWhat is the facility's policy on the use of chemical or physical restraints?
Restraint must never be routine or used for convenience. In residential care, it requires strict assessment, consent, documentation and review. In Support at Home, providers must also protect the person’s rights and must not use informal restraint in place of skilled, properly staffed and clinically supported care.
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