Additional NDIS support has arrived for people living with younger onset dementia

The toolkit aims to better equip people living with younger onset dementia and even includes a short video featuring carers and people living with younger onset dementia as a way to assist others as they apply to access the new system.

Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maree McCabe says the introduction of the NDIS offers people living with younger onset dementia options of choice and control over the services available.

“For a person with cognitive impairment, navigating this new system can be daunting and complex,” she says.

“As the peak body, Dementia Australia is here to empower and enable people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, to live well and achieve the best possible lifestyle, care and health outcomes.

“Through the use of this toolkit our clients will be able to access information and guidance to support people when making their initial application to the NDIS, understanding how to prepare and NDIS plan, and managing the funding for all their future services, aids and equipment.”

Services and assistance for people living with younger onset dementia could include support to keep socially active, counselling support, employment assistance as well as assistance with the development of a behavioural support plan.

Carer April Williams says using the toolkit in conjunction with the NDIS, when caring for her mother, will “help address the very specific needs of people living with younger onset dementia”.

“Trying to understand the NDIS on top of caring for mum has been overwhelming,” she says.

“This toolkit offers care studies, a valuable checklist and help to understanding developing plans and goals.

“It will support people with younger onset dementia to get the best out of the NDIS and to live connected and fulfilling lives.”

Ms McCabe says the toolkit will be a great support for carers and clients just like Ms Williams and her mother.

“With the support of Dementia Australia and this toolkit, people living with younger onset dementia will be enabled to continue to do what is important to them for as long as is possible – to live well and remain independent, in their own homes and within the community,” she says.

The NDIS is currently being rolled out throughout Australia to give greater support and access to services to all Australians living with a disability, replacing the previous State based funding for disability services..

The NDIS Toolkit for People Living with Younger Onset Dementia and their Carers can be accessed online or by calling 1800 100 500.