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Carer/family

Carer and family support during the detection stage should include the following:

  • Access to appropriate information and advice including carer support information and related services
  • Acknowledgement and recognition of the partner, family and/or carer perspective for informing appropriate referral [1]
  • Access to information and advice on Advance Care Planning

To raise awareness and promote the benefits of early diagnosis, GP's and practice nurses should:

  • Provide a copy of the Memory Support Guide for the Central Highlands, Grampians Pyrenees and Wimmera regions.
  • Highlight services including Dementia Australia, specialist diagnostics, carer support and home and community care within their area.
  • Undertake an informant interview where dementia is suspected to inform assessment and appropriate referral.
  • Assess carer needs.
  • Provide information on Advance Care Planning 
  • Highlight information on Dementia Australia services, specialist diagnostic services, carer support and home and community care services located in the guide.
  • Undertake and informant interview where dementia is suspected to inform assessment and appropriate referral.
  • Assess carer needs.
  • Provide information on Advance Care Planning and Respecting Patient Choices
  • The Department of Health also provide information and resources on Advance Care Planning. Go to http://www.health.vic.gov.au/acp/advanced-care-plan.htm.

KPMG Dementia services pathways - an essential guide to effective service planning 2011 pg. 13