Peak body Dementia Australia has issued advice on planning finances and futures for people with younger-onset dementia.
Australians younger than 65 years who develop dementia have a new resource, available on the Dementia Australia website, with guidance on available support systems and planning for the future.
The guide, which is available to download here, is the first to provide age-specific resources and support options.
“It is important that people impacted by younger onset dementia can access age-appropriate resources and support tailored to their lives,” said Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan.
“This guide will provide key information on the impact of younger onset dementia on individuals, families and carers, along with the supports and services available.
“We were proud to develop this guide in consultation with people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.”
The guide itself is split into four parts: understanding the impact of younger onset dementia, living well with dementia, support and information for carers and useful worksheets and checklists.
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The section covering the impact of early-onset dementia includes suggestions for reasonable workplace adjustments like having tasks allocated individually rather than all at once, providing free time during the day to reduce the impact of fatigue and encouraging the use of memory aids.
On the financial side, the guide includes advice on identifying and budgeting for care costs like GP gap fees, complementary therapist fees and home safety modifications.
Younger-onset dementia encompasses all kinds of dementia diagnosed in people under 65 years of age. There are an estimated 29,000 Australians living with younger-onset dementia.
