Australian Dementia Support Organisations
1. Dementia Australia 2-10 Captain Cook Crescent, Level 3, Griffith ACT 2603 National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Website: dementia.org.au
The national peak body providing trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. Offers free counselling, support groups, education programmes, and information in community languages. Also provides a specific Supporting Male Carers Toolkit for husbands, sons and brothers in a caregiving role.
2. Dementia Behavioural Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) Phone: 1800 699 799 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Website: dementia.com.au
A specialist clinical service providing 24-hour assessment and support specifically for caregivers managing moderate to severe behavioural changes associated with dementia. Staffed by health professionals with extensive dementia experience. This is the service to call when behaviour changes are making care difficult or unsafe.
3. Carer Gateway Phone: 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) Website: carergateway.gov.au
An Australian Government programme providing free services and support for carers. Offers in-person, phone and online support including counselling, coaching, peer support, and emergency respite care for unpaid carers across Australia.
4. My Aged Care Phone: 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm) Website: myagedcare.gov.au
The Australian Government’s primary gateway to government-funded aged care services. Provides information and advice on support available for older Australians and their carers, whether at home or in residential care. This is the starting point for accessing formal assessment and funding.
5. Carers Australia Phone: (02) 6122 9900 Website: carersaustralia.com.au
The national peak body representing Australian carers, focused on influencing policy and improving the financial security and wellbeing of family caregivers. A useful contact for advocacy, information about carer rights, and connections to state and territory carer organisations.
6. Advanced Care Planning Australia Phone: 1300 208 582 Website: advancecareplanning.org.au
Developed by Austin Health, this service provides state-specific documents and guidance for recording future healthcare and medical treatment wishes. Essential planning such as Power of Attorney must be done while the person still has legal capacity. If you have not yet addressed this, it is worth doing as a matter of priority.
7. Speech Pathology Australia Phone: 1300 368 835 Website: speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Helps families find registered speech pathologists who specialise in managing communication changes and swallowing difficulties associated with dementia. Referral through your GP or specialist is the usual pathway. If this has not been raised with your doctor, it is worth asking about specifically.
8. Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association (AFTDA) Email: contact@aftda.org.au Website: aftda.org.au
A registered non-profit carer support organisation providing information, education and support to those diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and related younger-onset dementias, their carers and families. Runs nationwide Carer Conversations support groups in partnership with Dementia Support Australia.
9. Healthdirect Australia Phone: 1800 022 222 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Website: healthdirect.gov.au
A free Australian Government health advice service staffed by registered nurses, available around the clock. Provides guidance on symptoms, conditions and when to seek further care, and can direct carers to appropriate dementia support services.
10. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Phone: 1800 800 110 Website: ndis.gov.au
The Australian Government scheme that may provide funding and support for people living with younger-onset dementia under the age of 65. Carers can contact the NDIS to discuss eligibility and access planning support.
Practical Notes for Australian Carers
Sudden changes may not be the dementia progressing If you notice a significant increase in confusion or agitation that appears within hours or a day, do not assume the dementia has worsened. Common treatable causes include urinary tract infections, which often present without fever in older people, dehydration, and constipation. Contact your GP or call 1800 022 222 to rule these out before concluding the condition has changed.
The hearing and dementia connection Hearing loss is common in older Australians and can significantly worsen confusion and social isolation in people living with dementia. Regular hearing checks are worth treating with the same priority as vision checks. Reducing the sensory burden on the person can make a real difference to their daily experience.
Communication and swallowing difficulties Dementia frequently affects a person’s ability to communicate and, in later stages, to swallow safely. A speech pathologist who specialises in dementia can provide practical strategies for both. If your GP or specialist has not raised this, it is worth asking for a referral specifically.
A critical note for Lewy body dementia If the person you are caring for has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, this diagnosis must be clearly communicated to all medical staff before any new medication is prescribed, particularly antipsychotics. People with Lewy body dementia can have severe and life-threatening reactions to medications that are routinely used for other forms of dementia. This is not something to leave to assumption.
Legal and advance care planning Decisions about Power of Attorney and advance care directives can only be made while the person living with dementia still has legal capacity to do so. That window narrows as the condition progresses. If you have not yet addressed these matters, contact a solicitor with experience in elder law or call Advanced Care Planning Australia on 1300 208 582.
Support exists for you too Carer burnout is a recognised health risk. The organisations listed above are not only for the person living with dementia. If you are struggling, calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 is a good starting point.