Living at Home with Dementia

In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, with two in three living in the community – often with the support of family and friends.

A diagnosis of dementia does not always mean someone is suddenly unable to care for themselves or participate in daily life, or that they can no longer live at home. With the right knowledge, practical strategies and support services, people with dementia can continue to live at home for many years. Carers play an important role in making this possible, and importantly, they don’t have to do it alone.

Utilising Allied Health

Allied health professionals are an essential part of a multidisciplinary approach to supporting people living with dementia. Services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology can help maintain strengths and promote independence.
Working with an allied health professional can help someone living with dementia to:
• continue to do the things that are important to them
• stay independent, physically active and socially connected
• reduce the risk of falls

An enablement approach encourages people living with dementia to remain actively involved in their daily routines, e.g. cooking at home, maintaining hobbies focusing on what they can do, rather than what they cannot. This enablement approach can be supported by changes you can make at home, as a carer.

Creating a dementia friendly home

Dementia can make everyday life at home more challenging, but small and inexpensive changes can make a profound difference. A dementia-friendly home is one designed to keep a person engaged, independent and safe.

Simple tools and aids can help with orientation, memory and confidence. For example:
• clocks displaying the time, day and date and whiteboard or daily planner for appointments and important tasks
• clear signage, photos or visual cues to help identify rooms, cupboards and drawers – particularly helpful in the kitchen for cooking, bedroom for dressing and bathroom for personal hygiene.
• motion sensor lighting or night lights to prevent falls.

The Dementia Friendly Home Interactive Video Guide is a practical tool created by Dementia Australia. The interactive guide shows how simple home modifications can support living with dementia and walks the user through rooms is a home explaining changes you can make. You can access this at dementia.org.au/living-dementia/home-life/dementia-friendly-home.

Dementia Australia also offers a free service, At Home with Dementia Program.
The program involves a qualified Dementia Australia occupational therapist who will contact you by phone, email or video call and guide you to assess your home to work out your supports needs and goals and make referrals and recommendations to other useful services. To learn more, visit dementia.org.au/getsupport/home-dementia.

Accessing support

As dementia progresses, living at home can become more difficult for both the person living with dementia and the carer. Increasing care needs, mobility challenges or safety concerns often mean additional support is required.

When you’re caring for someone close to you, it can be hard to focus on your own wellbeing or to recognise when living arrangements may need to change. Noticing these shifts early and seeking support can make a real difference. It’s also important for carers to look after themselves, including taking respite when needed, so they can continue providing care at home for as long as is appropriate.

When caring at home is no longer possible or appropriate, it may be necessary to consider residential care. This can ensure the person living with dementia receives the support they need, and you should not feel guilty for choosing the option that
best supports you both.

Government funded programs can help you continue caring at home for as long as possible.
If the person living with dementia is under 65, they are eligible for the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If they are over 65, support is accessed through the aged care system via My Aged Care.

For more information about caring for someone living with dementia, visit dementia.org.au/living-dementia/family-friends-and-carers#information-advice-and-support-for-carers.
For confidential support, information or advice, contact the National Dementia
Helpline on 1800 100 500, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can also access webchat or email support at dementia.org.au.