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Consultation 4 - carer/family consultation

The carer consultation should be used to investigate carer health risks secondary to carer burden (check the Carer Burden Scale) and appropriate management strategies.

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

  • Recognition and acknowledgment of partner/family/carer perspective for informing assessment and diagnosis
  • Informed of process and timeline for further assessment and diagnosis
  • the Practice nurse providing advice and information on support services to assist with understanding the trajectory of dementia and the range of information and support/home care services available to support informed decision making and appropriate planning. For example:
    • Dementia Australia – Living with Dementia Program
    • Carer Support Resources
    • Medicolegal issues (e.g. Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Care Planning/Directive)[1]
    • My Aged care or NDIS
      • Support with activities of daily living is provided through My Aged Care or the NDIS. Typical support covers domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance and nutritional assistance. Personal care is a broad term and includes assistance with showering, dressing, medication, transfers, eating, shopping and attending social activities.
      • All Allied Health and Community Service Provider referrals, including to Dementia Australia, for frail older people over 65 years is through My Aged Care. If patients do not meet the eligibility criteria a direct referral to Allied Health and Community Service Providers is required.
      • Younger Onset Dementia services are accessed through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Triggers for referral

  • The person is unable to cope independently with everyday activities such as housework, cooking, showering and dressing
  • The person has poor nutrition
  • The person is becoming socially isolated, due to their inability to drive or use public transport
  • Carer stress, where the person has a carer

At the end of this consultation the impact of carer burden is understood by the carer. Management strategies are in place and include providing information for the carer's primary GP.

KPMG Dementia services pathways - an essential guide to effective service planning 2011 pg. 17