If you are involved in caring for someone living with dementia, you may find yourself having to make some big changes to your lifestyle. But there are tools, aids and technology that can help you and your loved one make everyday tasks easier and safer at home.
In our guide below, we walk you through some of the most commonly used dementia tools, aids and technology. We also explain what government funding is available for older Australians living with dementia under the Support at Home program via My Aged Care for tools, equipment, home modifications and support services.
Unpacking Support at Home: for older Aussies living with Dementia
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s home care program designed to help older Australians remain at home as they age by providing funding for services which help you live in independently in your own home for longer. Support at Home funding can be provide vital support for individuals living with dementia and their families.
This can include services which target personal safety, behavioural support and much-needed respite for caregivers. The Support at Home Service List covers a range of services which can support you and your family at different stages. For example, if your loved one has early-stage dementia they may initially require assistance with showering or dressing and medication prompts but in the later stages they are likely to require reassessment for a higher classification of the Support at Home program so they can access funding for more intensive support.
The Support at home service list includes three main categories, The contributions you will be required to make towards your home care will depend on the category of your service.
- Clinical supports: Nursing Care, Allied health or other therapeutic services, Nutrition, Care management, Restorative care management. You will not be required to make a contribution for clinical support services as these are fully funded by the government.
- Independence supports: Personal Care, Social support and community engagement, Therapeutic services for independent living, Respite, Transport, Assistive technology and Home modifications. You will be required to make a moderate contribution for independence services depending on your financial circumstances and your income and assets assessment. From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will fully fund personal care services.
- Everyday living supports: Domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and Meals. This is the category which requires the highest contributions from Support at home participants. Your contributions will be dependent on your income and assets assessment.
The Support at Home program uses 8 ongoing funding classifications based on assessed care needs. People over the age of 65 living with dementia typically fall into a classification level between classification 4 and classification 8, which provide higher individual budgets for comprehensive, high-frequency or daily care at home.
Assistive Technology and the Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme gives eligible older Australians who receive government funding under the Support at Home program separate access to assistive technology and home modifications.
Assistive technology under the AT-HM Scheme includes equipment and devices that help you do things more easily and complete activities you can no longer do independently.
Here are some examples of assistive technology for helping you or your loved one live at home with dementia:
Medication reminders and dispensers – the AT-HM list includes assistive products for administering non-liquid medicines. There are devices that can help you take your medication correctly such as automatic pill dispensers that make a sound or give you a visual prompt when it’s time to take your medication.
There are also free mobile apps that provide reliable medication reminders and document your intakes such as MyTherapy. Medisafe is another similar app however, the free plan is limited to tracking up to two medications.
Webster-packs, which can be accessed at pharmacies, can be very helpful for people living with dementia. These multi dose packs are sealed weekly trays with each tablet sorted into the correct time slot for each day. That way you or a carer can easily see what to take and when. The cost of preparing and packing Webster packs is generally not covered as a government-subsidised service under the Support at Home program. However, you may be eligible for federal funding via the DAA program, and some pharmacies offer this service for free as part of their services.
Safety Devices
There is a wide range of supportive aids which can help people living with dementia stay safe at home. The AT-HM list includes signalling devices, personal emergency alarm systems and localising and tracking systems which can be accessed as part of the scheme.
These safety devices may include aids such as flood detectors and plugs which trigger an alarm if you leave a tap running, door and window sensors or monitors and motion sensor lights and automatic night lights.
Sensory & Communication Aids
As you or your loved one’s dementia progresses, sensory stimulation can assist with reducing anxiety and help you recognise your surroundings. Sensory aids may include items such as therapy dolls, robotic pets and sensory cushions.
Difficulties with communication can arise from problems with speaking, listening or reading written information. Assistive devices exist to help with each of these areas. Such devices include items to assist with interacting with computers, speech generating devices, voice amplifiers, screen readers and devices to help amplify sound. The AT-HM list includes a Communication and information management category.
Not all of the above tools and aids may currently be covered by the AT-HM scheme under the Support at Home program. Before you can access any government-subsidised aged care services you will need to be assessed. To find out more about the funding available and how to find out if you’re eligible visit the My Aged Care website.
Another great source of information about dementia-specific tools and aids is this resource developed by Dementia Australia: Tools and aids to help at home.
At Prestige Inhome Care, our team is equipped to handle to understand the unique challenges presented by each type of dementia. Our Dementia care services include:
- Support of behavioural and psychological symptoms of Dementia – therapies to support agitation, anxiety or wandering
- Medication management – assisting with the safe administration of medication
- Diet and nutrition – assistance with preparing meals and ensuring our client is eating regularly
- Personal care
- Transport
- Overnight care
- Nursing
- Caregiver respite
- Companionship
As and approved Support at Home provider, we can provide any dementia care services which may be included on the Support at Home program service list. If you require additional services which are not covered by the program or your allocated funding, you can opt to top up your hours with private dementia care.
To speak to one of our Care Specialists about your loved one’s care needs or learn more about our in-home dementia care call us today on 1300 10 30 10 or contact us online: https://www.prestigeinhomecare.com.au/contact-us/