Understanding dementia
Dementia isn’t a single disease — it’s a syndrome caused by various brain conditions, the most common being Alzheimer’s. It causes progressive decline in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. In Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death and affects more than 470,000 people.
What every family needs to know up front: dementia is a journey. The right care today will be different from the right care in two years. The earlier you understand the journey, the more you can plan for it — and the more agency the person living with dementia keeps.
Recognising the early signs
Common early signs include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life (especially recent events)
- Difficulty with familiar tasks (cooking a meal, paying a bill)
- Confusion about time or place
- Changes in mood, personality or judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps
If you’re noticing several of these, the first step is a GP visit. Your GP can do an initial cognitive assessment and refer to a memory clinic or geriatrician for diagnosis.
The stages of dementia
Dementia is typically described in three broad stages — though every person’s journey is unique.
Early stage
Memory issues, occasional confusion. The person is mostly independent. Care needs are minimal but emotional support and life planning are critical. Many people live well in early-stage dementia for years with the right scaffolding.
Middle stage
More noticeable memory and cognitive difficulties. Needs help with some daily activities. May experience behaviour changes, sundowning, confusion about identity. Home care with regular support typically works well.
Late stage
Significant memory loss, difficulty with most daily activities, may not recognise close family. Often needs 24/7 care, specialised dementia environments, and dementia-trained staff. Many families transition to residential dementia care at this stage.
Home care vs residential — making the choice
There’s no universally right answer. The best choice depends on:
- The stage of dementia
- The person’s wishes (what they wanted, what they’re saying now)
- Family caring capacity
- The home environment (safe, accessible, modifiable?)
- Behavioural symptoms (wandering, sundowning, distress)
- Other medical needs
- Funding available
Home dementia care
Home care works well in early to middle stage dementia for many families. My Evervale’s home dementia care includes:
- Dementia-trained personal carers
- Cognitive stimulation programs
- Carer respite (in-home or residential)
- Home safety modifications
- Allied health (OT for cognitive strategies, speech for communication)
Residential dementia care
Residential dementia care is often right when:
- Behaviours of concern make home care unsafe
- Wandering or falls are increasing
- The carer’s own health is being compromised
- 24/7 supervision is needed
- The person needs specialised therapeutic environments
Look for residential homes with a dedicated dementia wing, dementia-trained staff (not just basic training), and design features like secure outdoor space, intuitive layouts, and small-group living.
Paying for dementia care
Dementia care is funded the same way as other aged care:
- Home care — through Support at Home Program (or CHSP for entry-level)
- Residential — through the standard residential aged care funding pathway
- Specialised dementia funding — additional funding may apply for residents with significant behaviours of concern
See our funding guide for detail.
Supporting yourself as a dementia carer
Caring for someone with dementia is one of the hardest things a family member can do. The carer’s wellbeing matters as much as the person living with dementia. Things that help:
- Take respite — regularly, not just when you’re at breaking point. In-home and residential respite is funded.
- Join a carer support group — Dementia Australia runs many across Melbourne
- Look after your own health — your GP, your sleep, your social life
- Get help early — don’t wait for a crisis. The earlier you involve a provider, the better the journey for everyone
Resources
National:
- Dementia Australia — National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
- Dementia Support Australia — for behaviours of concern
- Australian Government — Dementia
Victorian:
- Memory clinics at major Melbourne hospitals
- Carer Gateway Victoria — 1800 422 737
How My Evervale supports families through dementia
We deliver dementia care across the journey:
- Early-stage at-home support and education
- Middle-stage in-home care with dementia-trained carers
- Respite (in-home and residential)
- Late-stage residential dementia care in our specialised wing
- Family carer support and education throughout
Because we’re registered for all six service categories, your loved one stays with us through every stage — no provider switches, no losing care relationships at the worst moments.