Planning your care
Some things to consider
You’re in control, and we’re here to support.
If you’re reading this, you might be starting to think about what care could look like in the future. That might mean assistance with everyday living, or personal care beyond what family and friends can provide. Whilst you may not be ready for care now, taking this first step is something to be proud of.
Planning ahead means you can make your own choices about how you want to be cared for. It’s also a way to support those who love you, by making some of the more challenging decisions early.
At Videri Australia, we see you, and we see what’s possible for you. We understand that living with dementia can feel uncertain, but you’re not alone. We’re here to talk with you about your options, explain what care might involve, and answer any questions you have. And if we can’t help at this point in your journey – we know all the right people who can.
Our team are here to help with your forward planning. However you choose to begin, we’ll be here to walk alongside you – one step at a time.
How can we help?
Call our Videri Australia Team
If you’re beginning to explore long-term care options whether for yourself or a loved one, we would be more than happy to have a chat with you. We can help you explore the types of care options available and discuss whether Videri Australia is an option for you. If we are not the right fit right now, we can connect you with trusted providers that other families have had positive experiences with.
Life and Estate Planning
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to meet with trusted advisors who can help put the right legal and financial frameworks in place. Having documents such as your Power of Attorney (POA) and Enduring Guardianship (EG) properly means you can ensure the people you trust are making the decisions. We can suggest experienced professionals that other families have found helpful and reassuring.
Trial Care with Flexible Respite
One of the most practical ways to trial how ongoing care might feel is to try a short stay, which you can do with us through our Flexible Respite program. Ideal if you’re recovering after a hospital stay as we can do a Hospital to Home transition period with you. Also a great option to try if the people in your care circle need some time to rest and recharge without any long-term commitment.
Useful Resources
National Disability and Insurance Scheme for people under 65yrs old
If you’re under 65 and have been diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia by a specialist, you may be eligible to apply for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). There are several types of support available, including Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding, which can contribute toward your care fees while living with a provider, as well as Short Term Accommodation funding for respite care. Navigating the NDIS can be complex, and understanding what you’re eligible for, and how to apply, can be challenging. We recommend working with a Support Coordinator who specialises in Younger Onset Dementia, such as YOD Reflections. Their dementia-trained expert coordinators can help guide you through the NDIS process and connect you with the right supports and providers. Please note: We do not receive any commission or financial benefit from this recommendation. It is offered solely based on professional trust and the positive outcomes we’ve seen.
My Aged Care for people over 65yrs old
If you’re over 65 and living with dementia, you may be eligible for Support at Home funding (previously Home Care Package) through My Aged Care. While this funding is typically used for in-home support, our services at Videri Australia are uniquely recognised by the Australian Government as a Support at Home Provider. This is due to our specialised dementia care, delivered in a home-like environment that closely resembles your own.
With Support at Home, you can access government funding to help cover your daily care fees with us. If you already have a classification and have been using it to support in-home care, but now require more comprehensive, 24/7 support, you may need to change to a higher level classification. If you’re considering moving into one of our Videri Australia homes, we encourage you to speak with our team. We can guide you on how to best navigate conversations with My Aged Care and help you make the most of your available funding.
Choosing a Care Provider
For dementia specific care, it takes time to choose the right accommodation and care provider, and it is important to shop around and have a look at the options available. Aged Care Decisions is a free online source of comparative aged cares and nursing homes. Engaging with a life planner is something many of our families have done with great outcomes. We suggest reaching out to DR Solutions who have over 30yrs of experience in supporting people searching for the right care, support and accommodation. They will provide a free initial consultation and take you through each step when it comes time for Life and Financial Planning. Please note: We receive no commission or financial benefit from this recommendation. Our referral is based purely on professional trust and positive outcomes.
Links to articles about planning for care
Dementia is a condition most commonly associated with older Australians
“We love the model and we truly value the level of care and engagement the Homemakers have with our loved one and all the other residents at Carrington. Our mum has flourished in her time at Carrington and while we acknowledge dementia is a life-limiting condition, she is currently ‘living her best life’ where she is valued for what she brings to the home (her caring personality, her willingness to help with daily chores etc) and is able to go on outings to various locations that she enjoyed in the area she grew up in (eastern suburbs beaches, Centennial Park). We regularly sing your praises. Thank you for caring for our beautiful mum.”
Helpful reading, when you're ready
Take a moment. When you feel ready, we’ve gathered thoughtful notes and real answers to questions we’re often asked, designed to support you through each step.
Who do you support at Videri Australia?
- Younger onset dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body disease
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Parkinson’s-related dementia
- Motor neurone disease (MND) / amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Stroke
When should someone receive ongoing permanent dementia care?
Everybody’s journey is different, so the time that they should receive ongoing permanent care can vary greatly. It all depends on how a person’s dementia progresses and the level of support they need from day to day, as well as how their primary carer may be coping at home.
It’s important to try and include your loved one living with dementia in this decision. This can involve a conversation early on, after diagnosis.
Videri Australia offers different options for support and dementia care in Sydney.
After diagnosis, attending one of our Rementia Together Retreats can give you tools and strategies for living at home with a diagnosis of dementia. When the time comes, it may be beneficial to try respite care in one of our homes. We offer Flexible Respite options so that you can stay for as little or as long as you like. Flexible Respite is a great way to trial us for permanent care down the track.
How is Videri Australia different to residential aged care or nursing homes?
Whilst we are not a traditional residential aged care facility or nursing home, you can move in to stay with us for 24/7 support and care – when the time is right.
We specialise in small, familiar homes for 6-10 residents that look, feel and function like real homes. This model aligns with the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, as well as recommendations from the Royal Commission, which have recognised the superior health outcomes linked with smaller, more personalised environments for people living with dementia.
People who live with us follow their own routine. They are actively involved in daily life, while being supported by trained team members, called Homemakers, who are onsite 24 hours per day, as well as being supported throughout the week by our Resident Care teams.
Our Videri Australia homes draw on best-practice international models that we have adapted to the Australian environment and lifestyle.
Where are your homes located?
Videri Australia group homes are an alternative to traditional aged care facilities and dementia-specific nursing homes. We are Sydney-based, with residential care homes in the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, North Shore, Hill District, Sutherland Shire and Inner West communities, with more specialist dementia care homes coming soon to Victoria and Queensland.
Let's talk
Wherever you are in your journey, we are here for you.
Call us on 1300 015 406 or share your details via our form and we will be in touch.