Support for family members while caring for someone with dementia
A person living with dementia requires care that’s as unique as their needs. For family members, it’s important to understand the symptoms, possible changes in behaviour, the importance of nutritious foods, and much more.
From the National Dementia Helpline to dedicated support groups, contact Group Homes Australia today to find resources to help you support a person living with dementia. You can talk to our professional team and get an understanding of what to expect in the future.
Supporting a
family member as dementia progresses
Research suggests that people with dementia can experience the condition very individually. Each person has a different journey, as do those caring for a person with dementia. A person with dementia has specific health care needs. As dementia progresses, a person’s behaviour may change. A caregiver needs people to talk to as well, and it’s important to take regular breaks.
Whether you or your loved one need respite care, long term care, or simply some additional support to help you navigate the future, Group Homes Australia is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between your model and traditional aged care or a nursing home?
We deliver personalised care in a traditional home, with a small group of 6-10 residents and a high carer-to-resident ratio. Our residents live with dignity and a sense of purpose in small-scale surroundings. We support residents to wake up in their own time, make individual food choices, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to the running of the home. We pride ourselves on the care that we deliver and make an effort to cherish everyone’s story. We do this through deeply exploring, connecting and sharing.
What kinds of dementia care do you offer?
We can care for all kinds of dementia including Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, Lewy Body disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Young onset dementia, Parkinson’s related dementia, and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. We’re also supporting carers each day, providing advice and resources to assist family members who are caring for someone with dementia.
Do you support people living with early onset dementia?
Yes. We offer support services for those living with early onset dementia. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, such as a family member, we provide a range of resources and practical assistance. As dementia progresses, we tailor our support. People with dementia always require varying levels of assistance, including personal care, regular exercise and other assistance with personal activities.
Do you accept residents who are younger than 65 years old?
Yes. We accept residents who are younger than 65 years old and who are living with high-care needs. We pride ourselves on being one of the more unique support organisations, offering residential care for people with dementia, regardless of their age.
Do you only do dementia care?
No. While many of our residents are living with dementia, we can also care for people with high care needs including cancer, brain tumours, motor neuron disease, mental health, terminal illness, Parkinson’s disease and acquired brain injuries (ABI). Our carers are skilled in looking after residents with a range of conditions.
Do you offer Respite Care?
Yes. We offer a new, flexible approach to respite care through GHA’s R&R – Respite Reimagined. Learn more here. Respite can be a valuable time for a person with dementia to get great support with everyday activities, while their care partner also has a chance to reset. Respite is also a good chance to plan for the future, whether that be long-term care or just some increased assistance with everyday tasks.
What is your carer to resident ratio?
We have an average of 1 carer to every 4 residents during the day. At night, we have one Homemaker awake and on shift. We have Registered Nurses (RNs) either in the home or on call 24/7. A person living with dementia always has very unique needs, and our homemakers ensure all residents receive the proper care and support.
Are you NDIS registered?
Yes. We are a registered NDIS and SIL provider. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, such as a family member, we can help them navigate the NDIS and ensure they get adequate support and resources. Whether it’s long-term care, improving safety features, assisting with communication skills or assisting with any of the many challenges a person with dementia might face, our team ensure you get the support you need as per your NDIS budget and plan.
How many people live in one room? Do they have their own bathrooms?
There is one resident per room, however we welcome couples to live together and they have the option of sharing a room or each having a separate room. Just like in a traditional family home, some rooms have ensuite bathrooms and others share. If shared it is generally one between two residents.
Can family members visit?
Yes. Visitors can come any time of the day at Group Homes Australia. We actively encourage the friends and other family members of residents to stop by for a visit, to take residents out for lunch, or to spend the afternoon with them at the local shopping centre. We appreciate that caring for a person with dementia can be challenging. Family visits can help people with dementia to maintain a positive mood and create cherished moments, which is why we encourage visits.
Are your homes secured?
Yes. All of our homes have a keypad locked front door, and the backyards are enclosed. We provide families with the code to the door and encourage them to visit whenever they would like. The homes are secured, but residents can move freely around the home and gardens. Taking care of the home is everybody’s responsibility.
