Dementia · advance care
Long-term care, one honest step at a time
Tell me what's happening with the person you're caring for. You'll get the four real options in Australia, the eight questions to ask every provider, and the one small step you can take this week that doesn't lock anything in.
Built on Dementia Australia and My Aged Care guidance. Everything you type stays on your device — nothing is sent or stored.
The four options, and how to start
In Australia, long-term care for someone with dementia isn't a single yes-or-no. There are four options on one pathway: more help at home, a short respite stay to try a care home before you commit, a permanent move to a care home, and a specialist dementia unit for very severe symptoms. Everyone starts the same way — one free assessment (ACAT) through My Aged Care decides what you're eligible for.
To start an assessment or get advice
| Service | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 000 | 24/7 |
| My Aged Care (assessment + advice) | 1800 200 422 | Mon–Fri 8–8, Sat 10–2 |
| Carer Gateway (carer support + respite) | 1800 422 737 | Mon–Fri 8–5 |
| Lifeline (text 0477 13 11 14) | 13 11 14 | 24/7 |
| 1800ELDERHelp | 1800 353 374 | Hours vary (state line) |
| 13YARN (First Nations) | 13 92 76 | 24/7 |
| Poisons Information Centre | 13 11 26 | 24/7 |