Tools for the Journey
Evidence-based strategies, practical toolkits, and digital connections,
Start Here
New diagnosis, questions about dementia, or not sure where to begin? These are good places to start.
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Australia’s national dementia organisation, with information and support for people living with dementia, families and carers.
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Clear, practical information for the first year after diagnosis, created with people living with dementia, families and health professionals.
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Official Australian Government information on dementia, diagnosis, support, services and national programs.
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Free, confidential dementia information, advice and support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/national-dementia-helpline
Support for carers, family & friends
Support for you, not just the person you care about.
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Free Australian Government support for unpaid carers, including counselling, coaching, respite and tailored support.
Phone: 1800 422 737
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Practical advice and support specifically for people supporting someone living with dementia.
https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/family-friends-and-carers
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Specialist, nationwide support when changes in behaviour are becoming difficult or distressing.
24/7 helpline: 1800 699 799
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The Australian Government gateway to aged care assessments, help at home, short-term care and residential aged care.
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Straightforward information and tools to help people think about, discuss and document future health-care wishes.
Living well & staying connected
Dementia doesn’t mean life stops. These programs and ideas focus on creativity, connection and continuing to do things that matter.
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An MCA Australia creative learning toolkit with 10 art-making activities designed for people living with dementia.
https://www.mca.com.au/learn/art-dementia/artful-online-toolkit/
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Inclusive community choirs for people living with dementia and the family and friends who support them.
(Current in-person choirs are in Victoria; online attendance is also offered)
https://rewire.org.au/programs/rewire-musical-memories-choirs/
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Friendly community-run memory cafés offering connection, conversation and activities for people affected by dementia.
(Western Australia based)
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Regular social groups where people living with dementia and a carer or support person can meet others with similar experiences.
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Ideas and international examples of museum programs designed to sustain wellbeing and inclusion for people living with dementia.
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/debbie-brittain-qld-2023
When things get harder
Practical help for behaviour changes, personal care, future planning and later stages.
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24/7 specialist help with changes in behaviour, distress and complex dementia care situations.
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Free, confidential advice from continence health professionals for people experiencing bladder or bowel concerns and those supporting them.
Phone: 1800 33 00 66
https://www.continence.org.au/help-and-support/national-continence-helpline/
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Help to understand and document what matters to you in future health and medical care.
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Reliable Australian information for people with life-limiting illness, families and carers, including dementia and care at home.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/community/patients-and-carers/what-is-palliative-care/
Younger carers & people living with younger-onset dementia
Support and communities for the things that can feel very different when dementia enters life earlier.
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A global virtual community for sons, daughters, children and families navigating younger-onset dementia, with connection, learning and peer support.
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Australian information and practical resources for young carers, including support with study, wellbeing and caring responsibilities.
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Australian programs and support for young people who provide unpaid care for a family member.
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Financial support to help eligible young carers continue education while balancing study and caring.
https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/
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Practical information, tools and strategies for people and families navigating dementia diagnosed before age 65.
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A national network focused on improving research, policy and clinical care for people with young-onset dementia and their families.
https://dementiaallianceinternational.org/get-involved/special-interest-groups/yod-sig-au
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Online groups for carers supporting someone living with frontotemporal dementia, facilitated by professionals with FTD expertise.