1. Macquarie University Health
  2. Services
  3. Conditions and treatments
  4. Care and support
Expert treatment for all adult neurological problems Free, expert information and emotional support services Contact us Dementia Australia Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services My Aged Care Healthdirect Service Finder Advance Care Planning Australia

Lifestyle and carer support in Australia

There is no cure for most dementias, but treatments and supports can improve day-to-day function and quality of life.

Key points

  • Dementia care usually involves safety-focused lifestyle changes, memory strategies, medical care and carer support.
  • Getting support early or before a crisis, generally leads to better outcomes for both the person with dementia and their carers.

General practitioner review and health checks

A general practitioner is usually the first and most important point of contact, both at diagnosis and on an ongoing basis.

  • Memory or thinking changes are new, worsening or affecting daily life.
  • Symptoms are gradually declining and affecting safety or independence.

Carer wellbeing needs checking as part of the same visit (see carer support below).

  • Take a support person if possible.
  • Bring a medication list (including over-the-counter items and supplements).
  • Note examples of changes: what happens, when, and any patterns.

You should ask your GP to review your:

  • falls risk and mobility
  • hearing and vision
  • pain, sleep, mood and other treatable contributors to confusion such as:
    • constipation
    • dehydration
    • infection
    • medication side-effects.

You should also ask:

  • whether medicines may help specific symptoms, with regular review of benefits and side-effects
  • for a referral (if needed) to allied health services such as:
    • occupational therapy
    • physiotherapy
    • speech pathology.

All other guidance on this page assumes a GP review has been booked or is planned.

Lifestyle and memory support

A dementia-friendly lifestyle and memory support work together. Making the home and daily routines easier to follow can reduce confusion and risk, while practical memory strategies can also help the person and their family manage everyday life and plan ahead.

Some suggested strategies are below; suitability should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

  • Improve lighting, especially in hallways, stairs and bathrooms; consider night lights.
  • Keep essential items (keys, glasses, medications) in the same place every time.
  • Remove trip hazards (loose rugs, cords, clutter) and add non-slip mats where needed.
  • Use a large clock, calendar or whiteboard to support day/date orientation and daily planning.
  • Use labels or pictures on cupboards and doors to support orientation.
  • Build in regular, meaningful activity to reduce restlessness and improve mood.
  • Introduce changes one at a time so it's clear what is helping.
  • Keep consistent times for meals, activities and sleep.
  • Use reminders and visual cues to reduce daily confusion; simplify tasks into smaller steps.
  • Use short, clear sentences and one-step instructions.
  • Offer simple choices (no more than two options at a time).
  • Allow extra time for responses; avoid rushing or correcting.
  • Reassure rather than argue when someone is confused or distressed.
  • Introduce kitchen safety steps if cooking is becoming risky (supervision, simplified meals, automatic shut-off devices).
  • Plan ahead for wandering risk (secure doors/gates appropriately, ID bracelet, recent photo).
  • Use a medication organiser and keep an up-to-date medication list.
  • Sudden changes in confusion can indicate an acute medical problem (such as infection or medication side-effects) on top of dementia, and should not be assumed to be 'just the dementia'.
  • Have early conversations with family/friends about decision-making preferences.
  • Discuss driving changes when relevant.
  • Consider advance care planning to record health care wishes and appoint a substitute decision-maker.

Carer wellbeing directly affects the safety and quality of care provided. Stay in contact with your GP about how you are managing with your caring responsibilities.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unwell seek carer support and respite early.