Dementia Support

Dementia HealthPathways

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 revision of existing clinical HealthPathways and the development of additional pathways. 

In 2022, we:

• Consulted a wide range of dementia and health services, support groups, patients living with dementia and their carers to understand existing services and any gaps
• Provided resources to general practices, other health professionals and first responders

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, please register your interest by sending an email to Monique Pryce - Program Development Officer – Community Development or calling 4708 8100.

Dementia Care in General Practice Webinar

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.

• 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.
• DTA GP Podcast – Podcast series just released by Dementia Training Australia (DTA), general practitioners Hilton Koppe, Marita Long and Steph Daly share their professional and personal experiences with dementia.
• 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.
• GP Quality Indicators – The RACGP has developed a provisional set of 22 clinical indicators for Australian general practice and these indicators are a voluntary quality improvement tool that deal exclusively with the safety and quality of clinical care.
• People with Dementia: A care guide for general practice
• 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.