Resources Library

General

These resources provide an overview of and important information on the services delivered by Dementia Support Australia.

DSA Overview Brochure

DSA provides a three-level support service based on the needs of the person with dementia, where the provision of care is impacted by behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia. Read More

Specialist Dementia Care Program

The Specialist Dementia Care Program provides individualised care for people who are experiencing severe BPSD and are unable to be adequately cared for in a standard residential aged care setting. Read More

Dementia Services Australia Overview Flyer

DSA provides a variety of resources to both inform and assist health care professionals and family members who are supporting a person living with dementia. Read More

Behaviour support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders with dementia

DSA works together with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. We are continuously building our cultural knowledge and awareness to provide the best possible care to the people that we support. Read More

Behaviour

These resources provide practical information to support a person with dementia and carers when changes in behaviour impact care.

How to help a person with dementia who has pain

It is sometimes hard to know if a family member with dementia has pain because they might not want to talk about it, not want to appear weak, or they cannot talk about it. This helpsheet provides family and community with tips to recognise and understand pain, and some ideas that can help. Read More

A Clinician’s Field Guide to Good Practice - Managing BPSD

The aim of this field guide is to provide initial points for consideration for clinicians in their role of assisting residential aged care facility staff, community care staff and family members caring for persons living with dementia, who present behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Read More

A Guide for Family Carers, Dealing with Behaviours in People with Dementia

This guide is for family carers providing care for a person with dementia. It includes practical information about how to support a person experiencing behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Read More

Behaviour Management - A Guide to Good Practice

This document provides guidance for DSA clinicians in their role of assisting residential aged care facility staff, community care staff and family members caring for persons living with dementia, who present behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Read More

Continence and Using the Toilet

People with dementia may face a number of difficulties with using the toilet, particularly as the illness progresses. This guide looks at four common situations for people with dementia and suggests ideas to offer support. Read More

Deafness and Dementia: an Information Booklet for Care Staff

This booklet has been developed for people who are caring for or supporting a deaf person living with dementia. It aims to provide an introduction to dementia and changes in behaviours that a person may experience living with the condition. Read More

Deafness and Dementia: an Information Booklet for Family and Friends

The knowledge and experience of members of the deaf community and carers, together with dementia experts, have been brought together in this booklet. The information has been developed for carer partners, family and friends of people who were born deaf as well as people who have lost their hearing completely later in life. Read More

Delirium Screen

People with delirium can experience heightened arousal, become restless, agitated and aggressive. Alternately, they may be withdrawn, sleepy and quiet. This tool is designed to assist health care professionals assess, treat and/or eliminate sources of delirium that may be impacting on a person, and contributing to changes in behaviour. Read More

Language paradigms when behaviour changes with dementia: #BanBPSD

The term behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) first arose following a meeting of the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) in 1996 Read More

Considerations for looking after a person with dementia in the acute care setting

Early connections can reduce stress and anxiety of both staff, the person with dementia and their family. This helpsheet provides tips to assist hospital staff create a connection with the person with dementia. Read More

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dementia Care

People living with dementia may have had a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed earlier in their lives. This helpheet outlines what a PTSD is, treatments, and key tips for caring for a person with both dementi and PTSD. Read More

Providing One-to-One Care for the Person Living with Dementia

The benefits of a one-to-one care partner, what changes in behaviour may benefit from one-to-one care and what to consider when implementing this intervention. Read More

Psychotropic Medication in the Management of Behaviours

This helpsheet summarises evidence around various psychotropic medication use in the management of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia. Read More

ReBOC Guide - Reducing Behaviours Of Concern

This guide supports DSA clinicians in their role of assisting residential aged care facility staff, community care staff and family members caring for persons living with dementia, who present with behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Read More

Responding to Delusions and Hallucinations - Understanding the Message

Understanding some of the potential causes of delusions and hallucinations, and how the person with dementia can be supported. The support aims to alleviate the person’s distress and minimise the impact on the person’s care. Read More

Responding to Medication Management Issues

Practical strategies to try when responding to common medication difficulties by understanding the person with dementia and their situation. Read More

The Use of Global Positioning System (GPS) Location Devices in Dementia Care

Use of a global positioning system (GPS) can be of use to keep the person with dementia safe and allow them to maintain independence. Read More

Understanding Apathy in People with Dementia

Identifying apathy and understanding how it can affect people living with dementia and how carers can respond. Read More

Understanding Psychosocial Approaches: Validation

The use of validation to communicate an understanding of the emotional state of the person with living dementia. Read More

Understanding the Impact of Pain and Dementia

Dementia and the pain experience: helping to identify and manage pain in dementia patients. Read More

COVID

These helpsheets provide practical tips for care staff and family carers to support a person with dementia during a pandemic.

Engaging with Faith for People Living with Dementia

The ability for people to physically come together and share in their religious beliefs has been restricted. Faith related activities can help those living with dementia to promote a sense of belonging and support their spiritual life. Read More

Help for Families of a Person in Care During a Pandemic

The health and wellbeing of people living with dementia in aged care and in hospitals is the most important factor. However, being restricted from visiting a family member due to the risk of infection from COVID-19 can be stressful and isolating for everyone. Read More

How DSA Services are Operating During the Pandemic

DSA understands care homes and family carers might be concerned about the level of access our services are able to provide. All services delivered by Dementia Support Australia have been defined by the Department of Health as ‘professional services’ and able to continue to provide much needed support on the ground in care homes and do not impact on family visits. Read More

How to Support Someone Living with Dementia who is Feeling Anxious Due to the Pandemic

If a person with dementia is anxious, carers may notice a change in their behaviour, such as becoming irritable, being unusually quiet, asking for reassurance and not wanting to be alone. Anxiety can also cause unpleasant physical symptoms including shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, stomach aches or headaches. Read More

Quick Tips to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of COVID-19

These quick tips look at some ways care staff can reduce the risk of infection and keep the person with dementia and staff safe, while maintaining the person's wellbeing. Read More

Resilience in Difficult Times

During the pandemic many people feel a sense of anxiety and feel we have no control as the natural order of things have been disrupted. Building resilience reduces unease and promotes wellbeing. Read More

Restrictive Practices: Understanding and Managing Behaviours in a Time of Pandemic

The need to keep everyone safe and supported is challenging for residential care services during the COVID-19 restrictions. How to best support a person with dementia where behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are impacting their care is especially important during this time. Read More

Tips for Staying Connected During a Pandemic

Restrictions from visiting family members with dementia in aged care are in place due to COVID-19. It is important that people know there are ways to stay connected to those they are caring for. Read More

What to Consider When a Family Member is in Palliative Care During a Pandemic

When a person with dementia is reaching the end of their life family members often want and need to be by their side. For many family carers, due to measures to ensure the ongoing safety of everyone, face to face visits may no longer be possible but there are things that you can do. Read More

Design

These resources examine the use and application of design elements and impacts on a person with dementia.

Benefits of Wayfinding Floor Signage for People with Dementia

The use of the floor signage to communicate wayfinding has increased during the current pandemic in aged care homes, with floor signage being used as a means to help people find their way around the home. Read More

Murals Position Paper

Does evidence support the benefits of murals in residential care homes? Find out the myths and facts behind their use and potential impacts for people with dementia. Read More

Engagement

These helpsheets provide practical advice and tips for care staff and family carers on the use of engagement tools to support a person with dementia.

Animal Assisted Engagement in Dementia Care

Interacting with animals can have many benefits for a person with dementia including physical, social, emotional, motivational and cognitive benefits while reducing anxiety and depression. Read More

The Use of Activity Sheds in Dementia Care

An activity shed is a designated space where people with dementia can take part in various activities. These spaces may be multipurpose or be dedicated to one particular activity. Read More

The use of Dolls in Dementia Care

Using dolls, or what can sometimes be referred to as ‘child representation’, can provide people with dementia an opportunity to interact with a ‘life-like’ baby doll in a manner that may be therapeutic to them. Read More

The Use of Music Engagement and Personalised Playlists in Dementia Care

Using music which is familiar and preferred by the person living with dementia can provide an opportunity to engage in an activity that may stimulate emotions and movement (dance), address social and spiritual needs and help connect the care partner to the person. Read More

The Use of Simulated Pets in Dementia Care

Using robotic or plush animals, or what can sometimes be referred to as 'simulated pets', can provide an opportunity for people living with dementia to interact with a 'life-like' animal that may bring therapeutic benefits. Read More

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