Dementia Support Australia: Understanding Dementia

Dementia Support Australia (DSA) is a free nationwide support service for people living with dementia and their carers. They offer 24/7, 365 days a year help to carers in Australia.

About

When a person living with dementia is experiencing changes to their behaviour, DSA works with you to understand the causes and help you improve their quality of life. DSA emphasises that behaviour support begins with understanding.

“Every person is different, and so are their needs. Our goal is to provide carers and care network with the tools to better understand the causes of behaviour in people living with dementia.”

  • Dementia Support Australia

For more information about DSA

DSA’s focus is on getting to know the person with dementia and their experiences, interests, disinterests and routines. After careful assessment, DSA provides personalised expert advice and strategies, working with the person with dementia, the people around them and their wider care network to address their needs and allow for ongoing continuous support.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is not a normal part of aging but rather a syndrome characterized by a decline in memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It can manifest in various forms, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common type of dementia. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. By recognizing the early signs and symptoms of dementia, individuals and families can take proactive steps to manage the condition effectively.

Support for Individuals

For individuals living with dementia, maintaining quality of life and independence is paramount. DSA platform offers resources on cognitive exercises, memory aids, and lifestyle modifications to help individuals manage their symptoms and stay engaged with the world around them. Additionally, they provide information on available treatments, clinical trials, and support groups to ensure that individuals have access to the care they need.

Assistance for Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically taxing. DSA’s platform recognizes the challenges faced by caregivers and aims to provide practical tips, coping strategies, and respite care options to help caregivers maintain their own well-being while supporting their loved ones. From establishing daily routines to seeking professional assistance, they offer guidance to caregivers at every step of the journey.

Educational Resources

Education is key to understanding and managing dementia effectively. DSA’s resources offer a wealth of educational materials, including articles, videos, and webinars, to help individuals and families enhance their knowledge about dementia. From the latest research findings to practical caregiving tips, our goal is to empower our community with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Dementia Support Australia’s Team

DSA consists of a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. They are a passionate and dedicated group of people, aiming to transform dementia care in Australia. DSA’s culturally diver teams are trained to understand the needs of people from diverse backgrounds as they work in partnership with a range of services to maintain and specialise their knowledge. These include partnerships with First Nations peoples, organisations and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. DSA believes in access, equity, and inclusion across all their programs.

Dementia Support Australia also invites anyone who wants to work with them, promoting empowerment where you work, sharing knowledge and to learn and working to improve the quality of life for people with dementia

How DSA Helps

When facing the challenges of dementia, having access to the right support can make all the difference. DSA’s dedicated helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or simply someone to listen, our team is here for you.

One of the key ways DSA provide assistance is through DSA’s trained dementia consultants. These professionals work closely with you to understand your unique situation and provide personalized support tailored to your needs. By collaborating with their consultants, you can rest assured that you are receiving the right guidance and assistance at the right time.

At DSA’s core, they believe that support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location. That's why DSA offers a nationwide service that reaches wherever you are, even in rural and remote areas of Australia. They understand that accessing support can be challenging in certain regions, and are committed to breaking down those barriers to ensure that help is available to all who need it.

  • DSA helpline is available 24/7, providing round-the-clock support.

  • DSA dementia consultants are trained professionals who work with you to provide personalized assistance.

  • DSA offers a nationwide service that caters to individuals in rural and remote areas.

Dementia Support Australia: Where We Go

DSA firmly stands by the principle that geographical location should never be a hindrance to accessing essential programs and services. It is a fundamental belief that all Australians, regardless of whether they reside in bustling metropolitan cities or in the serene tranquility of rural and remote areas, should have equal opportunities to benefit from vital support systems.

DSA reaffirms that ensuring equitable access to crucial programs is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of basic human rights and social justice. People living in remote regions face unique challenges that should not act as barriers to receiving the support they need to thrive.

By advocating for equal access to essential services, DSA are not only promoting fairness but also fostering inclusivity and community resilience. When individuals in rural and remote areas have the same standard of access as their urban counterparts, they can lead healthier, more productive lives and contribute meaningfully to the overall well-being of society.

DSA’s commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide goes beyond mere words; it is ingrained in their actions and initiatives. By leveraging technology, community partnerships, and innovative outreach programs, DSA are breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring that no Australian is left behind when it comes to accessing vital support systems.

Request a Visit

If you find yourself in need of support or guidance, don’t hesitate to request a visit from DSA consultants. Whether you require on-site assistance, training sessions, or consultations, their service is available to help.

Simply fill out the visit request form on their website, and their team will get in touch with you to schedule a suitable time for the visit. When it comes to regional and remote support, being proactive is vital.

How Dementia Support Australia helped others

At DSA’s care facility, they are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of many. Through personalized care and innovative approaches, they have seen remarkable transformations and improvements in the well-being of our residents.

Providing personalised care for a person living with dementia

Caring for individuals with dementia requires a unique and personalized approach. Each person's journey with dementia is different, and DSA understands the importance of tailoring their care to meet their specific needs.

By creating individualized care plans that focus on enhancing the quality of life for their residents, they have been able to improve their overall well-being and sense of security. From structured daily routines to sensory stimulation activities, DSA’s personalized care approach aims to improve cognitive function and emotional health.

The power of music in care

Music has a profound impact on the lives of DSA’s community, especially those living with dementia. Through music therapy and regular musical activities, they have witnessed significant improvements in mood, memory, and communication among our residents.

Whether it's through group sing-alongs, individual music sessions, or live musical performances, DSA harnesses the power of music to evoke emotions, spark memories, and promote social interaction. The therapeutic benefits of music have proven to be invaluable in enhancing the overall well-being of their residents.

Evaheld’s Partnership with Dementia Support Australia

Evaheld is proud to be partnered with Dementia Support Australia. We understand the significance of dementia and the prevalent inequities evident in Australia, especially in rural and certain regional areas where there is limited access to help. is a legacy and care planning app that empowers people to enjoyably create all sorts of legacy style content for their loved ones and future generations, as well as easily future-proof their voice to ensure better wellbeing outcomes.

People are supported through the entire creation process, with the world’s most comprehensive suite of content types and in-browser video, audio and written content creation (or uploads), and of course secure lifetime storage. People also have full management over their recipient, privacy and future delivery preferences, safeguarding their privacy, independence, and connections to loved ones today, and into the future.

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