I first researched My Care Solution, which offers dementia care services done at home.

I learned that it’s best for dementia patients to live in familiar places. At-home services let a medical professional monitor the patient. Being in a familiar place avoids triggering confusion in the patient.

Their private home care sessions include housekeeping and cleaning, meal cooking, transport, and counselling. I think it’s nice that they understand patients need assistance with these because dementia can cause limited mobility.

However, I found out they are changing their training providers. The new training team might have a different care method from their previous one. This may mean inconsistent care practices, especially if the staff is still adapting to the new training team.

Quick response to last-minute requests

“I have nothing but high praise for all staff concerned . Always polite, compassionate, courteous and nothing is too much trouble even when I have had to cancel or re-arrange services at short notice. Completely different from my previous provider who rarely contacted me unless they wanted me to sign something. Highly recommended.”

Julie Young | Google review

Great family support

“Friendly staff and amazing carers. Would highly recommend the service – a great support for our family.”

Tina Trezise | Google review

I did field research on HammondCare. They have peaceful surroundings, since they’re located in a park. I remember from my lecture that low-stress places can lessen the triggers of dementia.

I interviewed an on-the-ground staff member about how they care for dementia patients. She said they conduct a test to see what kind of care they need and customise a patient outline. Then, they’re matched one-on-one with a select carer. 

She also showed me their modified cottage homes. Their model units are made to be dementia-friendly, like having shelves at eye-level.

However, they don’t offer physical exercises to promote mobility among dementia patients. I also overheard a resident complain that a few shared spaces can get dirty.

Respects its clients 

“After a long road I finally feel my father is getting the respect and dignity he deserves. Thank you. We need more places like this for our aged that sadly suffer from dementia. …”

Samantha Pountney | Google review

Unkempt and unclean

“I went to visit my brother in law the place was disgusting poo everywhere, door handles furniture clean towel on the bed because the haven’t been showered nothing for them to do was better of at the nourlunga hospital”

Janet Barry | Google review

I also researched Southern Cross Care Mount Carmel for their physical programmes. These allow the elderly afflicted with dementia to relearn basic life skills, such as cooking and cleaning. This way, dementia patients’ muscle memory is engaged.

Their staff informed me that this organisation helped establish the Code of Ethics and Ethical Conduct for Aged Care in 2001. He also said the staff aid dementia patients with bathing, house and outside cleaning, and following medication. 

They also prepare activities such as painting workshops, cardio activities, and gardening to encourage cognitive ability.

However, to deal with the high admission demand, dementia patients stay in their centres for up to only sixty-three days. This is to keep their housing available for other patients who need it. This may be a risk to patients who may need more time to deal with dementia in a safe environment. 

My mum is in good hands

“Mum has been a resident here for a few months. The staff are caring and attentive, facilities are excellent and there is always something for mum to do. It’s a hard decision you make when finding residential care for an ageing parent and there are some horror stories out there, but as a family we are more than happy to visit mum and leave knowing she’s well cared for. Of the most importance is that mum is very happy there. Great work Mt Carmel.”

Dianne McCormick | Google review

Great community atmosphere

“My mum has been here for about four years now and is very happy. She loves all the staff and they look after her very well. Staff are always friendly and helpful and the home has a great community atmosphere.”

Anne Leverington | Google review

What impressed me about Rembrandt Living is their Positive Approach to Care accreditation. I learned that this is only given to organisations that have industry-standard dementia care services.

I interviewed staff on what services they provide in this recognition. It can range from holistic therapeutic services, counselling, and physical mobility activities. They also have in-house cleaning staff to maintain shared and personal spaces of residents.

When they realised I was a medical student, they introduced me to their educational services. I learned a lot here about how to detect signs of dementia. I also thought these guides could be useful to people caring for one who has a diagnosis.

However, staff told me gaining approval for dementia care and residency could take some time. They explained it’s because of the high demand for their services!

The only home that feels like a big family

“I cannot recommend this place enough, we had to put our elderly father in here 5 months ago and this was the only home he has ever wanted to go to if there came a time he needed it. We have been so very happy here with absolutely every part of it. The staff are so wonderful , caring, loving and kind. Nothing is ever too hard for them. It is like a big family in there and you feel the warmth from the minute you enter the home. The cleanliness is outstanding and the food delicious. If you are looking for a nursing home you will not be disappointed. We are incredibly grateful for the care our dad is receiving !”

Marilyn Marshall | Google review

Excellent staff and care

“What a wonderful home. Beautiful, happy, pleasant staff & such excellent care of Uncle Stan. Thank you.”

Mary Burfield | Google review

ElderCare services are accredited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. For aged care specific to dementia patients, they are housed in their special Memory Units.

The staff told me dementia patients are placed in modified homes that are spacious, wide, with low ceilings and reachable storage units. I read that obstruction-free homes are best for dementia patients. 

Plus, each unit has an in-house staff who can help them cook, housekeep, clean, garden, and bathe.

The staff also told me that they’re a non-profit and are open for student volunteers if I’m interested. 

However, one of her concerns was the organisation being reliant on donations. She worried that if there were few donations made, it might downsize their services (fewer staff and less residential capacity).