FAQs.

We refer to staff as our partners in support provision and it is our priority to ensure that they are trained to a high standard.

At a minimum, all of our support partners are required to have a vocational qualification such as a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Certificate IV in Disability or equivalent, an NDIS Workers Screening Check and a Working with Vulnerable People check.

Additionally, we have developed industry leading training packages covering a variety of dementia-specific care topics, including managing changing behaviours, person-centred support and insights into cognitive impairment.

We are very fortunate to have dementia specialist Chris Oldfield as our Director of Services at The Dementia Foundation. Chris has been supporting people living with dementia for over 20 years and for the past three years has focused on younger onset dementia. As a former nurse, Chris remains passionate about health care as well as empowering people to achieve goals and have choice and control in their lives. Working in Executive roles for several major providers in the not-for-profit sector has enabled Chris to drive change while still focusing on compassion, empathy and respect in the delivery of care and support services.

Chris’s knowledge, passion and expertise is the driving force behind the successful delivery of our industry leading training programs. She has amassed a vast amount of experience working in early intervention dementia programs as well as in palliative care. Her motivation to keep her skills up to date has seen her take part in several committees within the care sector, including at a national level. She is currently undertaking studies in Dementia Care with the University of Tasmania.

Our Supported Independent Living homes are popular and in demand, which is a testament to their success. We allocate these properties to individuals based on their eligibility through the NDIS, the urgency of their housing situation, the stage of their condition and their suitability for shared accommodation. There are usually waiting lists. Some of our homes will be a better fit for you than others and you may have a preference. We will always endeavour to match you to your preferred home although we can’t guarantee this.

Additionally, we can acquire residences based on requests. For example, if someone approached us and asked us to provide SIL in Rivervale, we would explore all avenues available to secure accommodation for them in this area, along with a team to service the facility.

We understand the guilt and anguish that families can feel when entering into shared care arrangements. You want to be certain that your loved one is being treated with dignity and kindness by people who recognise their intrinsic worth as a person. At The Dementia Foundation, our guarantee of safe support starts with our hiring process. We only enter into support partnerships with individuals who have a compassionate nature, are genuinely committed to people’s rights and have a desire to help others live happy and fulfilling lives.

As an organisation, we monitor relationships, make ourselves available for help and advice, and adhere to stringent and transparent reporting protocols to keep families in the loop.

With our support, our staff can give their best support.

Our comprehensive support services are tailored to West Australians living with younger onset dementia and cognitive impairment.

Our core service is Supported Independent Living (SIL) in our purpose-designed Perth homes, where we provide specialised accommodation and care that reflects Western Australian lifestyles and values.

We also offer short-term accommodation options, expert support coordination and engaging community programs that promote physical activity and human connection.

Our support extends beyond direct care to include advocacy and specialised training, all designed with an understanding of Western Australia’s unique healthcare landscape and community needs.

We also provide care and support to clients in their own homes. This ranges from just four hours per week through to 24/7 support.

As Western Australia’s leading provider of care for younger onset dementia, we have developed a profound understanding of what’s required to support individuals living with this complex condition. Our approach goes beyond standard care practices. We’ve created specialised environments and support systems that work within WA’s healthcare framework and community structure. Our team members undergo comprehensive training in dementia care to ensure they understand not just the clinical aspects, but also the practical and moral considerations of supporting someone with cognitive impairment.

The Dementia Foundation has earned an enviable reputation for quality care standards. It comes down to our compassion, our in-depth knowledge of Western Australia’s healthcare system and our cohesion as an organisation. We maintain high standards through comprehensive staff training programs that focus specifically on dementia care within the WA context. Our management plans are developed with local support systems and resources in mind and we stay on top of changing needs and circumstances through regular reviews and revisions. The standards we adhere to have led to successful outcomes for those we support and for our staff. That’s why we continue to attract candidates who not only provide the best care but who are committed to the growth and innovation of our organisation.

The NDIS is a national scheme that provides funding to eligible people with disabilities, based on their needs and goals. The National Disability Insurance Agency is the body responsible for assessing each candidate’s eligibility for funding and for deciding how much they get. An NDIS plan sets out the types of services you need. This is where regulations differ from state to state. The Dementia Foundation is a registered NDIS provider. Our support coordinators work closely with WA NDIS partners and have extensive experience helping families and carers navigate the system to secure the best outcomes. We understand how the NDIS is implementation locally and can guide you through the process of accessing and managing your funding. Whether you’re new to the whole thing and don’t know where to start, or semi-experienced but still confused – you can always come to us.

Understanding the range of support options available in Western Australia can feel overwhelming, but our local expertise makes this journey easier. Our client experience officers are familiar with Western Australia’s disability support landscape and can help you navigate both NDIS and other funding options. We’ll work with you to understand what’s available in your local area and how to access the most appropriate supports.
Our team stays up to date with all changes to local support systems and funding arrangements, ensuring you receive the most current and relevant guidance.