Dementia - support for people who live alone

Like many Australians, you might currently live alone. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean you need to move.

Dementia can make some parts of everyday life harder. You might experience:

• memory loss
• trouble with reasoning or thinking
• trouble with daily tasks like eating, taking your medication, bathing or getting dressed
• changes in your mood, or ability to cope with stress
• perception and understanding of your home
• awareness of potentially dangerous situations, like a fire
• judgement about who you let into your home.

Some people with dementia live independently for quite a while. But if you want to keep living alone, you might need to make some changes and get some support.

Here are some things you can do to stay independent and live alone with dementia.

Support your wellbeing

• Make regular appointments with your doctors to keep track of your health
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water
• Stay mobile and active
• Learn new things, like a new sport, dancing, yoga, art, music, writing or crafts
• Stay connected with your friends, family and community
• Use date and time tools.

Make your home dementia-friendly

A comfortable, accessible and safe home can help you stay independent for longer.

There are lots of changes you can make to your home to help you live well, carry out daily tasks and feel safe and secure. Find more information on the Creating a dementia-friendly home section of the Dementia Australia website.

Use tools and aids

Technology and supportive aids can give you confidence and help you adapt to changes caused by dementia. For example, they can remind you to take medication, help you know the time, or call for help in an emergency. Find more information at the Tools and aids to help at home section of the Dementia Australia website.

Get help from family and friends

Your family and friends can also support you to stay at home. Have a family meeting to work out how each person can help. Let your neighbours, local business owners and police know that you live with dementia. You can also give them contact details in case of an emergency.

Apply for government support

Funded support can help you to keep doing the things you love and keep living independently at home.

Support can include:

• companionship
• help with personal care
• household tasks and home maintenance
• home modifications
• transport
• help to take part in social activities and hobbies
• clinical and allied health care.

For people living with dementia, Dementia Australia has information in the Home Care section on its website. Topics include: types of home care services, how to access home care services, as well as information about government-funded support.

Manage your finances and decision-making

As your dementia progresses, it will become harder for you to manage your finances and make decisions. By planning ahead, you can make sure you’re supported.

This includes:

• getting financial and legal advice early, while you can still take part in decision-making
• choosing people you trust to help you make financial, medical and care decisions
• making a power of attorney, a will and an advance care plan
• talking to your family about your wishes.

If you change your mind, you can always adjust your plans.

Dementia Australia’s Deciding who can speak for you webpage has more information.

Moving house

At some stage, you might find it’s not safe for you to live by yourself anymore. This is tough to think about, but if you’re in this situation, you may need to consider other living options. Find more information about possible care options on the Dementia Australia website.

Dementia Australia webinar: Moving home

There are many reasons you may decide to move where you live. You may want to downsize, have concerns about the cost of your current housing, have concerns about safety in your home, or you may want to relocate for better access to services or your support network.

In this video from Dementia Australia, you’ll find tips for planning and moving home.

Dementia Australia Library Guides

Dementia Australia Librarians have curated a handy list of publications on assistive technology and everyday living. Printed publications on this list may be available at your local library to borrow. If not in stock, you can often access books via inter-library loan. Most public libraries can arrange this for you - ask for assistance.

Where to get help

• Your GP.
• The National Dementia Helpline: free telephone support for people living with dementia, and their families and carers – available every day, anytime. 1800 100 500.
• Carers Victoria: expert guidance and practical support for carers. 1800 514 845.
• Carer Gateway: emotional and practical services for carers.