The term ‘dementia’ describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease, but includes well-known ones such as Alzheimer’s.

Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life, and they need to be presented with habitual, non-changing routines. They can adapt to aged care facilities, as long as their new home is introduced with finesse and kindness.

Making that key decision

A key decision when thinking about putting someone with dementia into care is whether that person can remain in their own home, or whether they would prefer to move into a nursing home or retirement home. If they want to stay in their own home, there are support options available such as home care services or domestic help. It is also important to consider the financial implications of the options available. The Department of Health And Ageing is a good place to start for an idea of how much the person will have to pay towards the costs of the various services that are arranged through them. Anyone who is arranging services themselves, whether through a voluntary organisation or a private agency, will need to make their own enquiries. It is important not to rush into a decision. It might help to also talk to friends and relatives, other carers and your local Alzheimer’s society. Local voluntary organisations are a source of further information, advice and practical help; and the good news is there are specialist nursing homes that provide nursing care for residents with dementia.

Finding a home for your specific needs

Although all nursing homes cater for residents with a mild degree of dementia, some provide more targeted dementia services. These homes generally have staff who are specially trained, and areas that have been specifically designed for people with dementia. Not all people with dementia require a specific dementia unit in an aged care home. However, people with special care needs, such as those who may not be safely accommodated in general residential facilities, are best suited for these homes. People with dementia can be upset by change, so if possible introduce the person you care for to the aged care home facility gradually, so that the place becomes a little more familiar and a little less confusing and frightening. Sometimes, of course, this is simply not possible, especially if the move has to be made quickly, but even then it’s important to emphasise the positive aspects of the move, such as the possibility of making new friends and enjoying new activities. Over time, the person you are caring for will become integrated into the routine of nursing home care and become, hopefully, happy and well-adjusted.

Facts about dementia sufferers

• They can be very sensitive to the emotional atmosphere
• They benefit from a calm atmosphere
• Too much noise makes dementia sufferers confused
• They need good lighting to give them as much information as possible about their surroundings

If someone you care for needs assistance because of behavioural problems associated with dementia, one option apart from an aged care facility is the Extended Aged Care at Home – Dementia (EACH D) program, which can provide high-level care through an individually tailored package to assist them to remain living in your own home for as long as possible if this is your preference. If not, when choosing a residential care home, there are many aspects to consider beyond the outer appearance of a newly built, state-of-the-art aged care facility. The word ‘home’ is the clue: is the facility you have in mind home-like? Can you see the person you care for being comfortable there?