← Home Support After Diagnosis

Support for Dementia Carers

Caring for someone with dementia is one of the most demanding forms of care. You dont have to do it alone. Australia has dedicated support — from 24/7 helplines to funded respite, counselling, and financial support.

Key Support Services

National Dementia Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7. Information about dementia, behaviour changes, navigating My Aged Care and NDIS, and connection to local counselling and support.

1800 100 50024/7Free

dementia.org.au

Carer Gateway

Australian Government support for all carers. Free counselling, respite planning, coaching, peer support, emergency respite. Self-refer — no GP needed.

Carer Gateway 1800 422 737Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

DBMAS (Behaviour Management)

Specialist 24/7 support for behaviour changes in dementia — wandering, aggression, agitation, sleep disruption.

DBMAS 1800 699 79924/7

My Aged Care

Gateway to government-funded aged care: home care packages, respite, residential care.

My Aged Care 1800 200 422Mon–Fri 8am–8pm

Financial Support for Carers

Carer Payment. Income support for constant care. Means-tested. Apply via Services Australia.

Carer Allowance. Supplement for daily care. Not means-tested. Can be alongside other payments.

Looking After Yourself

Carer burnout is real. Check in with yourself using these free tools.

Burnout Assessment DASS-21 Guided Breathing

AskMyGP

Free Australian health tools & information

What am I eligible for? How Medicare works Prepare for your GP visit What to bring to your appointment More free tools at askmygp.com.au →

Information only, not medical advice.

Common Questions About Dementia Carer Support

Is the National Dementia Helpline free and available 24/7?

Yes, the National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) is free to call and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by dementia specialists who can talk through symptoms, behaviour changes, and next steps for diagnosis or care.

How do I access respite care for a person with dementia?

Respite care is arranged through My Aged Care (1800 200 422), which assesses eligibility and connects families with in-home respite, day programs, or short residential stays. Dementia Australia can help you understand what type of respite suits your situation before you contact My Aged Care.

What's the difference between Carer Gateway and Dementia Australia?

Dementia Australia specialises specifically in dementia — diagnosis pathways, behaviour support, and dementia-specific education. Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) is a broader service for any unpaid carer, covering counselling, planned respite, and practical services regardless of the condition. Many families use both.

Do dementia carers get any Centrelink payments?

Carers may be eligible for the Carer Payment (an income-support payment for those unable to work substantially due to caring duties) or the Carer Allowance (a smaller supplementary payment), depending on care hours and means testing. Services Australia's dedicated carer line can assess eligibility.