It’s Time to Talk About Dementia: A Guide for Families Supporting a Loved One at Home
Dementia can be one of the most difficult subjects for a family to talk about.
You might have noticed changes in a parent's memory, behaviour or their ability to do daily activities. Maybe they're getting harder to talk to, their routines have been altered, or you're becoming more concerned about their safety at home. Or perhaps someone you know has already been diagnosed with dementia, and now you're trying to figure out what to do next.
It can seem like a daunting task for many families in terms of where to start.
For this reason, Dementia Australia's 2026 theme is “It's time to talk about dementia. Dementia Action Week is held from 21-27 September 2026, and aims to put dementia on the agenda, cut the stigma and make sure that Australians receive the support they need.
Dementia Australia
Having a conversation is a good way to begin to learn about what is going on, get to know the appropriate professional support available, and make a plan that helps a loved one stay safe, comfortable and connected.
What does dementia mean?
Dementia is not one specific disease. It is an umbrella name for a set of symptoms which may impact memory, thinking, communication, behaviour and a person's ability to carry out daily tasks.
Dementia is a collection of different ailments, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and so forth. Everyone's experience will be unique.
Importantly, dementia is NOT a normal part of ageing. Memory or thinking changes should not be attributed to aging.
Talk to your GP about your or your family member's persistent memory, thinking, behaviour and mood changes. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive history of symptoms and health over time and sometimes other testing or referral to a specialist may be required, says Dementia Australia.
When should family start talking/thinking about dementia?
No diagnosis necessary to begin talking.
The first sign is sometimes very subtle:
· Frequently repeating questions.
· Losing track of appointments/dates.
· Becoming confused about familiar places.
· Having financial troubles, drug or home problems.
· Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
· Mood, personality or behaviour changes.
· Getting harder to cook and/or care for oneself.
· Becoming socially isolated.
· Feeling more agitated or irritable.
All of these are signs, but do not necessarily indicate dementia. However, there are many other reasons for alterations in memory and thinking, and that's why professional assessment is so crucial.
- It can be a simple question of concern that starts the conversation:
Try asking:
I've seen something different in you recently.” What do you think you're feeling?
Or:
I remember that you are having some difficulties with some things that you didn't before.” Would you feel free to discuss it?”
Do not make a diagnosis for your parent or loved one. It's meant to start a conversation and, if needed, ask them to get professional advice.
What do you do once you've been diagnosed with dementia?
Diagnosis can be a shock to the person with the diagnosis, as well as to those around them.
Families may immediately start thinking about questions such as:
- Is it possible for Mum or Dad to live at home?
- What assistance will they require?
- Who will make their appointments for them?
- What happens if they need more?
- What can we do to sustain their social ties?
- What can the family be supported by?
- What will be the work and caring arrangements?
- Are there any funding or governmental support available?
You don't need have an answer to all these questions.
Dementia Australia offers information and planning support services for people living with dementia and families as well as carers regarding how to adjust to change and planning support services.
Professional counselling and other dementia-specific support are also available for families, as needed.
Is it possible for Dementia patients to live at home?
Yes, in many circumstances.
A person can stay in a familiar environment at the right level of support for a longer period which helps to preserve their dignity, routine and independence.
The level of support needed, however, will differ from person to person.
At first, a person may require help only occasionally in making shopping trips, attending appointments, eating meals or carrying out household tasks. In the later stages of dementia, they may require frequent assistance with personal care, medication, mobility, communication, safety or daily activities.
Professional in-home care can also offer much-needed respite to an adult family member or partner who has become responsible for the care of a loved one.
Luxe Care can support families experiencing dementia in a variety of ways.
Throughout Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, Luxe Care offers nurse-led, personalised in-home dementia care, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the person.
The role that care can play for families living with dementia and how Luxe Care can help.
Luxe Care offers nurse-led personalised in-home dementia care throughout Melbourne and The Mornington Peninsula, and their support is tailored to meet the individual and their evolving needs.
Luxe Care can offer assistance in the following ways:
- Personal care – bathing, dressing, grooming and continence.
- Medicines support and liaison with person's health care team.
- Cognitive and meaningful engagement, activities to match interests and ability.
- Companion and social connection, to combat isolation and adhere to routines.
- Cooking, home care.
- Safety supervision, such as assistance with falls and wandering.
- Planned rest, work or other responsibilities for family carers (respite care).
- Clinical support and co-ordinating with GP, geriatricians and allied health professionals by nurses.
- 24 hour/ live-in care for those who need more constant support.
Luxe Care's dementia care is meant to supplement, not supplant, medical, psychological and dementia care professional support.
If they are seeing memory, thinking, mood or behaviour changes, families should maintain a working relationship with their GP and relevant health care professionals.
Supporting the person AND the family
The diagnosis of dementia does not only impact the person who has it, it also impacts the people around them.
An adult child might suddenly find that they are trying to schedule appointments, any medication, or any service, in addition to trying to balance this with work and their own family.
The partner can be a full-time carer without ever intending to be one.
It's important to remember that carers themselves need support.
Dementia Australia offers information, advice and support to family members and carers, through counselling and the National Dementia Helpline.
In-home support can also provide families with a bit of respite.
For instance, a Luxe Care carer might be able to offer a few hours of care during the week to compensate for a family member's workday, appointment or time to recharge.
Care can be stepped up over time, including overnight/24-hour care as appropriate, for families with more complex needs.
It's not an excuse to remove the family from the equation.
It's about involving families in their own care, so that all care interactions are not about caring, but that families can remain sons, daughters, partners and loved ones.
Concerned about your parent's health and safety?
Memory loss is not the only part of the person's mental functioning that can be impaired by dementia.
A person with dementia may become frustrated, anxious, lonely, sad or exhibit behavioural changes. Family members are also prone to experience grief, stress, exhaustion or a sense of helplessness.
It is crucial to do not assume that the problems will be solved by the professional care.
If you have concerns about a person's mental health, emotional wellbeing or safety, encourage them to discuss this with their GP or appropriate mental-health professional.
Counselling and specialist support for individuals with dementia and carers is also available from Dementia Australia.
If there is an emergency or if a person is at immediate risk, go straight to the medical aid.
Preparing for dementia in advance
A crucial aspect that a family can do is to have discussions early.
There is no requirement that you have to wait for a person to cease being able to manage at home.
Planning early can allow families to learn about the services available, discuss preferences, and build a support network.
Consider talking about:
- Where your loved one wants to reside.
- Who they would like to have on their decision-making team.
- What types of supports they feel comfortable receiving at home.
- Their healthcare preferences.
- Financial and legal aspects.
- Transportation and other social activities.
- Medication and appointment reminders.
- If their needs increase, what to do.
- Responsibilities of family members.
While these talks might sound awkward, they can help to clear up misunderstandings in the future.
To help you take the next step, Luxe Care can offer you advice and guidance on the steps you should take.
If your family are just starting to explore options for dementia care at home, you don't have to know it all before you contact them.
Luxe Care can discuss the situation of your family, inform you about the different types of support provided, and draw up an individual plan for your loved one's care needs, their schedules and their preferences. It uses a nurse-led approach, enabling plans to be reviewed when needs change and coordination to happen in conjunction with the person's current healthcare team.
Luxe Care also supports clients via private arrangements and, where appropriate, government funded pathways like the Support at Home program, funded eligibility and services are dependent of individual circumstances.
If you are concerned about a parent, partner or loved one and want to understand what could happen when a family member is cared for at home, please speak with the experienced care staff at Luxe Care.
You can have a free consultation so that you know what is available to you and what your needs might be.
Give Luxe Care a call on 1300 674 886 or get in touch with the team to speak to someone about dementia care in the home for you.
For free and confidential information, advice and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Do not attempt to deal with dementia on your own, ask for professional advice and assistance.
Common Questions about Dementia and In-Home Care
1. What are some of the initial symptoms of dementia?
Symptoms may be persistent changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, communication or functioning with daily activities. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of other conditions, however, and should not be taken as an indicator of dementia, so it would be advisable to discuss these with a GP.
2. Can dementia mean that my parent can no longer live at home?
Not necessarily. For many dementia sufferers, home continues to be their place of residence, supported by appropriate services. Level of assistance will depend on the symptoms of the person, their health, safety and circumstances.
Luxe Care offers dementia care at home and can offer support for hours or overnight care and 24 hours as needed and available.
3. What are the various components of dementia home care?
Personal care, medication support, cognitive engagement, companionship services, meal preparation, household support, safety supervision and nurse-led clinical support are a few of the dementia services that Luxe Care may be able to provide. Care plans are developed for the person and regularly reviewed when their needs change.
4. Does Luxe Care offer a respite for family carers?
Yes. Luxe care offers respite care to provide family carers with planned time off from caring responsibilities, which may be for a few hours and can include overnight and longer care as agreed in a care plan.
5. Would dementia care be the replacement of a GP or a specialist?
No. In-home care is provided to supplement a person's healthcare and support team. Any diagnosis and medical management of dementia should be undertaken by suitably qualified health professionals including GP and relevant specialists.
6. Will Luxe Care be able to work with my parent's health care providers?
Yes. Luxe Care's dementia care plan involves liaising with a GP, geriatrician and allied health professional to ensure that in-home care is connected with the wider care package.
7. Does Government provide funding for home care of someone with dementia?
In-home support for people with dementia can be provided through government-funded programs, like Support at Home, depending on the person's situation and eligibility. Luxe Care offers private care as well and can educate families on available options.
8. What aged care facilities does Luxe Care offer dementia care at?
Luxe Care dementia care services are located throughout Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, including a variety of inner-eastern, Bayside and Mornington Peninsula communities. Families are encouraged to contact Luxe Care to verify if their area of interest is covered.
9. Where can I get dementia information and support?
The National Dementia Helpline is free of charge, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides information, advice and support. Information is included on dementia, diagnosis, services, counselling and caring.
Final thought
Discussing dementia with a loved one may be challenging and especially difficult with the loved one you are concerned about.
However, you don't have to know exactly what to say.
It is possible to begin with a question.
You can listen.
Professional advice is available.
And you can take one step at a time.
Let's make Dementia Australia's message this year a reality: it's time to talk about dementia.
