Caring for someone with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. Dementia affects memory, daily tasks, emotions, and relationships, which can be tough for caregivers to manage. For NDIS participants with dementia, in-home care offers professional support to make daily life easier while helping them stay independent in their own homes. At Reaching Abilities, we provide caring, tailored in-home support in WA to improve dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Understanding Dementia and Its Challenges
Dementia is more than just forgetting things—it’s a condition that gets worse over time and affects how someone thinks, feels, and moves. It can make even simple daily tasks, like getting dressed or having a conversation, feel really hard.
How Dementia Affects People
- Cognitive challenges (thinking and remembering): Dementia often causes memory loss, making it hard to remember important things, like names, dates, or where items are kept. It can also make problem-solving or making decisions confusing and frustrating. For example, someone might get lost in a place they’ve been to many times.
- Physical challenges (moving and doing tasks): Over time, dementia can make walking, balancing, or using hands for tasks like buttoning a shirt more difficult. This can make everyday activities, like eating or getting dressed, take much longer or require help.
- Emotional and behavioural challenges: People with dementia might feel anxious, frustrated, or confused, which can lead to mood swings or agitation. They might also act differently than they used to, which can be hard for both them and their loved ones to understand.
Because everyone’s experience with dementia is different, it’s important to have a care plan that is tailored specifically to each person. This means paying attention to what they can still do, what they need help with, and what makes them feel comfortable and happy. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work because each person’s needs are unique.
Taking a proactive, personalised approach can make life easier for people with dementia and their families, helping them feel supported and cared for every step of the way.
The Role of In-Home Support in WA for NDIS Dementia Care
For NDIS participants living with dementia, in-home support is much more than just getting help—it’s a way to live safely, feel secure, and stay happy in a place they know and love. Dementia can bring challenges, but having care at home can make life easier for both participants and their families. Let’s explore how in-home care can improve the lives of people with dementia.
What is Dementia?
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand dementia. Dementia is not just one disease—it’s a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to do everyday tasks. It can make things like remembering names, cooking meals, or even recognising family members very difficult. While there is no cure for dementia, the right kind of care can make a world of difference.
Personalised Dementia Care
Everyone experiences dementia differently, so providing the same type of care to everyone doesn’t work. Personalised care means creating a plan that fits the specific needs of the person. For example, some people may need help with dressing or eating, while others might only need reminders to take their medication. Personalised care considers things like the person’s habits, likes and dislikes, and their medical needs. This helps build trust between the caregiver and the participant, making the person feel more comfortable and cared for.
Familiar Environment
Imagine suddenly being placed in a strange and unfamiliar place—it might make you feel stressed, confused, or even scared. For people with dementia, this feeling is often much stronger. That’s why being at home is so important. In-home care allows participants to stay in a space they recognise, filled with things they love, like family photos, their favourite chair, or even familiar smells like their favourite meal cooking in the kitchen. These familiar surroundings can help reduce confusion and stress while giving a sense of comfort and stability.
Maintaining Independence for Dementia Patients
Dementia can make certain tasks harder, but that doesn’t mean people lose all their abilities. Many individuals with dementia can still do daily tasks with a bit of help. For example, they may still enjoy brushing their hair, preparing simple meals, or setting the table if someone guides them. In-home care focuses on helping participants keep doing as much as they can on their own. This sense of independence can boost confidence and make them feel more in control of their lives.
Relief for Caregivers
Caregivers, like family members who look after a loved one with dementia, often work hard to provide care all day, every day. While they love the person they’re helping, it can be exhausting—both physically and emotionally. Taking care of someone with dementia can sometimes feel overwhelming and lead to burnout, which means they feel too tired or stressed to continue. Professional in-home care gives caregivers a chance to rest and recharge. They can take a break, knowing their loved one is being cared for by someone skilled and compassionate.
Improved Quality of Life
Having a professional caregiver isn’t just about making sure the participant is safe—it’s also about making their life better. Caregivers can provide activities that keep the brain active, like puzzles, music, or crafts. They can also help with physical health by ensuring the participant eats well, stays hydrated, and gets some movement or light exercise. Companionship is another big part of improving quality of life. A friendly caregiver can spend time talking, sharing stories, or simply being there to provide comfort and connection, which helps prevent feelings of loneliness.
Building a Strong Support System
In-home care doesn’t just support the participant—it also helps the whole family. Caregivers can share updates about how the participant is doing, offer advice on how to handle certain situations, and even teach family members ways to interact that make the participant feel calm and happy. This builds a strong team around the person with dementia, making sure everyone is working together to provide the best care possible.
The Long-Term Benefits of In-Home Support in WA
In-home care can also have long-term benefits. By staying at home, participants may avoid needing to move into a care facility, which can be expensive and stressful. Additionally, staying in a familiar environment can reduce the chances of sudden health declines, as the participant feels more at ease and receives one-on-one attention. Over time, this consistent and tailored care can make a big difference in how comfortable and happy the participant feels.
Dementia can be a challenging journey, but in-home support helps make it easier for everyone involved. It provides individuals with a safe, familiar, and loving place to live while giving them the care they need to thrive. Families can rest assured knowing that their loved one is not only safe but also happy, supported, and valued. With in-home care, it’s possible to turn a difficult situation into one filled with comfort, connection, and hope.
Real-Life Example
Take Jane, an NDIS participant in WA who lives with early-stage dementia. With personalised in-home support in WA from Reaching Abilities, Jane receives daily assistance with medication reminders, meal preparation, and light exercises tailored to her mobility. Being in a familiar environment reduces her anxiety, and the regular companionship has improved her mood significantly. Meanwhile, Jane’s daughter—a full-time caregiver—now has time to focus on her own wellbeing.
How Reaching Abilities Provides Dementia Support for NDIS Participants
At Reaching Abilities, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive approach to NDIS dementia care, tailored to the unique needs of each NDIS participant. Here’s why we’re trusted by families across WA.
A Qualified Team
Our trained professionals bring expertise, empathy, and understanding to every care situation. Equipped with the knowledge and tools to support dementia participants, our staff provide compassionate care that meets the highest standards.
Tailored Home-Based Dementia Care services
No two care plans are the same. We collaborate closely with NDIS participants and their families to develop personalised support plans that align with individual needs and preferences, including routines and cultural considerations.
Family-Centred Approach
We know caregiving is a team effort. That’s why we actively involve families in the care process, providing regular updates, and empowering them to be part of key decisions.
Additional Support Services
Our home care services in WA extend beyond daily care. From respite care (to provide caregivers with breaks) to community participation initiatives that encourage social engagement, our team is dedicated to improving every aspect of our participants’ wellbeing.
Whether it’s supporting independence, easing caregiver stress, or improving overall quality of life, our approach is defined by compassion, dedication, and expertise.
FAQs About Dementia Care and In-Home Support
What is in-home support for NDIS participants with dementia?
It’s personalised care provided directly in a participant’s home. Services include help with daily activities, emotional support, and health management.
How does in-home support WA offers improve life for individuals with dementia?
It helps participants maintain independence, reduces confusion by keeping them in comfortable surroundings, and improves wellbeing through tailored care.
Does NDIS funding cover in-home dementia care?
Yes, many NDIS plans include funding for in-home NDIS participant support, as long as it aligns with the participant’s needs and assessments.
What sets Reaching Abilities apart?
Our experienced staff, personalised care plans, family-focused approach, and additional services make us a top choice for in-home dementia support in WA.
We Empower Lives With Compassion
Dementia can be tough, but with the right help, NDIS participants can still live independent and happy lives. At Reaching Abilities, we focus on providing personalised, in-home care that supports both participants and their families.
We’re one of Australia’s leading NDIS providers, helping people achieve their goals and live stronger, more empowered lives. With services in NSW and WA, our dedicated team creates tailored plans to fit your needs, so you or your loved one can feel supported every step of the way.
Need in-home dementia care that’s compassionate and reliable? Contact Reaching Abilities today to learn how we can help make life easier and more comfortable for your family. Call 1300 933 811 or enquire online.
Ozer Tanlasi – Founder and Director of Reaching Abilities
Ozer Tanlasi is the Founder and Director of Reaching Abilities, an organisation dedicated to providing compassionate and empowering support to individuals with disabilities. With a background in allied health and a deep commitment to inclusive care, Nesrin established Reaching Abilities to create a welcoming space where individuals can thrive, gain independence, and achieve their personal goals. Her approach is centred around understanding each individual’s unique needs and strengths, ensuring they receive tailored services that make a positive impact on their lives. Under Nesrin’s leadership, Reaching Abilities has become known for its compassionate, client-focused approach, supporting individuals and families in building meaningful connections and reaching new potentials.
