Frequently Asked Questions

If you've noticed someone appears to be showing signs of dementia, it's important they see a doctor. You can learn about the early signs of dementia on Your Care Navigator.

Some people may be resistant to the idea of visiting a doctor. In some cases, people deny or don't realise there is something wrong. This can be due to the brain changes of dementia that interfere with the ability to recognise or appreciate one's memory problems. Others, with retained insight, could be afraid of having their fears confirmed.

One of the most effective ways to overcome this problem is to find a physical reason for a visit to the doctor, like a check-up for a symptom that the person is willing to acknowledge, such as headaches or failing eyesight.

Perhaps suggest a heart examination, a blood pressure or diabetes test, or a review of long-term medication. Any expressed anxiety by the person is an excellent opportunity to suggest a visit to the doctor. Another way is to suggest that it is time for you both to have a physical check-up.

Be sure to provide a lot of reassurance. A calm, caring attitude at this time can help overcome the person's very real worries and fears.

You can also contact the National Dementia Helpline to talk to a professional about advice.

There are a number of education training resources available to assist in learning about dementia and caring for someone living with dementia.

Dementia Australia offers education sessions and group programs for carers, family members and friends of people living with dementia. The education programs focus on providing knowledge, strategies and support that is aligned with the various stages of dementia.

You can find other organisations that provide online or face-to-face training on Your Care Navigator.

Dementia can lead to behaviour changes. These changes can be distressing and confusing for families and carers.

You can find information about changing behaviours and the support available to you in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region through Your Care Navigator.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a frightening experience.

It is common for someone diagnosed with dementia to deny that they are having problems with memory or other cognitive abilities.

Their dementia might prevent them from recognising the changes that you have noticed. This is known as anosognosia. It is important for you to access support to assist you in caring for the person who has dementia.

Your first step may be speaking with the doctor who is caring for them. Joining a carers support group may provide the opportunity to learn how other people in the same situation dealt with it.

You can find more resources about denial and providing care on Your Care Navigator.

Support groups can provide a safe space for caregivers to meet, support each other, share tips, and socialise.

You can find a support group in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region on Your Care Navigator.

Putting safety measures and home medical equipment in place is important for people living with dementia as it can allow them to live in the comfort of their own home for longer.

You can find information through Your Care Navigator on organising equipment and arranging this in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region.

Being a carer can be costly and impose financial challenges. There are a number of payments options for which you may be eligible.

You can find financial information for carers in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region on Your Care Navigator.

There are multiple ways to plan for difficult conversations.

To begin, you can seek guidance from their GP or geriatrician.

This website has information on having conversations about driving and dementia, and palliative care.

Caring for a loved one or family member with dementia can be challenging. It's important to find support to make sure you're taking care of yourself too so that caregiving is more rewarding for you and the person for whom you're caring.

Learning to recognise the signs of caregiver burnout is important, so you can take action to prevent the problem from worsening.

You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of carer burnout through the HelpGuide.

If you need to find a counsellor or support group in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region, you can do so through the mental health and wellbeing page on Your Care Navigator.

Dementia affects people differently. Having a diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean the person you care for has lost the capacity to make decisions. However, as the disease progresses, decision-making abilities may become more difficult.

Planning ahead will allow the person you care for to have a say in future decisions and make life easier for everyone involved by avoiding potential legal issues.

You can find more information through Your Care Navigator about legal issues involving finances and employment, medical decisions and driving.

You have a right to express your concern if you feel the level of care is not acceptable. There are a few ways to express your concern.

Advocacy organisations represent and work with people who need support and encouragement to exercise and uphold their rights.

Aged Care providers do their best to provide high quality care, but issues can occur and complaints are important to help service providers improve. Click 'Make an aged care complaint' for information for further information.

Click 'Make a QLD Health complaint' for further information.

Dementia is a progressive condition, normally characterised in three phases (mild, moderate and severe). You can find resources to learn about the progression of dementia on Your Care Navigator.

The symptoms and progression of the disease depend on the type of dementia each person has. It can be a challenging process to formally diagnosis the type of dementia. A doctor will try to diagnose the type of dementia through a number of cognitive and neuropsychological tests.

There are non-drug support services that can help dementia symptoms and behaviours. This includes: supporting physical health, mental health and wellbeing; staying active; and using supportive aids and safety equipment. Click 'Find support' to access these services.

There are also medications that can temporarily improve and manage symptoms of dementia. Speak to the doctor of the person you're caring for about the best course of medication treatment for them.

While there's no cure available for Alzheimer's and other common dementias, early diagnosis can help people and their families plan for the future.

Early diagnosis also gives people the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. This helps researchers develop new treatments and eventually find a cure. You can find more information about applying for clinical trials and the latest research below.

Your Care Navigator is focused on services for people living in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions.

If you live outside of these areas there are a number of service directories and supports available to help find services to support you.

If you're looking for home support services, please click 'Navigate aged care in Australia' below.