A dementia diagnosis changes everything. For families in Sydney, one of the first questions is often the same. What help is available, and how do we access it?
The good news is that support exists. If your loved one is under 65, they may be eligible for funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This blog explains what dementia is, who can access NDIS support, and what that support looks like in practice.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect the brain.
Dementia causes problems with memory, thinking, and behaviour. Over time, these problems get worse. They can make everyday tasks very difficult. Things like cooking, dressing, and managing a daily routine become hard to do safely.
Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
According to Dementia Australia, around 421,000 Australians are living with dementia today. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 550,000. (Source: dementia.org.au)
Is Dementia a Disability Under the NDIS?
Yes, in some cases.
Dementia is recognised as a disability under the NDIS. But there are conditions.
The NDIS provides funding for people who are under 65 years old and have a permanent and significant disability. If someone is diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65, they may be eligible. This is called younger onset dementia.
According to Dementia Australia, if you or someone you care for has younger onset dementia, the NDIS could connect you with supports and services to help in daily life, connect with the community, and achieve your goals. (Source: dementia.org.au/get-support/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ndis-support)
The number of approved NDIS plans for people with younger onset dementia has been growing. It increased from 8,032 plans in March 2023 to 9,646 plans in December 2024. (Source: aihw.gov.au)
What If the Person Is Over 65?
If someone is diagnosed with dementia at 65 or older, the NDIS generally does not apply.
In this case, support is usually accessed through My Aged Care. This is the Australian Government’s aged care system. You can find out more at myagedcare.gov.au.
Help On Wheels has export team
What Support Can the NDIS Fund for Someone With Dementia?
NDIS support plans are tailored to each person’s needs and goals. For someone living with dementia, support may include:
Personal care Help with showering, dressing, grooming, and managing medication.
Daily living support Help with meals, household tasks, and keeping a safe home environment.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Around-the-clock support for people who need help at home every day.
Community participation Getting out to appointments, social activities, or groups in the community.
Support Coordination Help navigating the NDIS system and getting the right services in place.
Home modifications Changes to the home to make it safer and easier to live in.
Health and wellbeing Access to allied health services like speech pathology or physiotherapy.
(Source: dementia.org.au/get-support/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ndis-support)
What the NDIS Says
The NDIS recognises dementia as a disability for people who were diagnosed before the age of 65. To be eligible, the disability must be permanent and significant. The NDIS funds supports across daily living, community participation, health and wellbeing, and home living.
If you are found to be not eligible, you can ask the NDIS to review the decision. If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Learn more: ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
How Help On Wheels Delivers This: Help On Wheels is a registered NDIS and My Aged Care provider in Sydney. We support people living with dementia across personal care, in-home support, supported independent living, and community participation. Our team understands how dementia affects daily life. We match participants with consistent, familiar support workers who provide calm, patient, and respectful care every visit.
How to Access NDIS Support for Dementia in Sydney
Here are three simple steps to get started.
Step 1 — Talk to your GP, ask your GP for a diagnosis and supporting documentation. You will need this for your NDIS application. Your GP can also refer you to specialists if needed.
Step 2 — Apply to the NDIS You can apply online at ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
If you need help with the application, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. This service is free and available 24 hours a day. They can answer questions about dementia, the NDIS, and local support services in Sydney. (Source: dementia.org.au/get-support/national-dementia-helpline)
Step 3 — Find a registered NDIS provider in Sydney Once your plan is approved, you can choose a provider. Look for someone who has experience supporting people with dementia. Ask about consistent support workers and a clear service agreement before support begins.
Tips for the NDIS Planning Meeting
When you meet with an NDIS planner, Dementia Australia recommends:
- Meet face to face where possible. It is easier to explain needs in person.
- Bring a family member or carer with you for support.
- Be honest and realistic about what your loved one can and cannot do.
- Talk about how needs may change over time as dementia progresses.
- Bring any documents from doctors or specialists to support your case.
Being well prepared can make a real difference to the quality of the plan you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only for people who were diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. This is called younger onset dementia. If the person is 65 or older at the time of diagnosis, they would generally access support through My Aged Care instead.
Younger onset dementia is when someone is diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. It can affect people in their 40s, 50s, or early 60s. The NDIS was designed to support people of working age with disability, which is why younger onset dementia is included.
Support can include personal care, daily living assistance, supported independent living, community participation, support coordination, home modifications, and access to allied health services. The exact supports depend on the person’s individual needs and goals.
You can search for registered providers at ndis.gov.au. Look for a provider with experience in dementia support, consistent support workers, and a clear service agreement before any support begins.
If they were diagnosed at 65 or older, they would generally access support through My Aged Care rather than the NDIS. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. Help On Wheels also provides My Aged Care services. Contact our team to find out more.
How Help On Wheels Can Help
Help On Wheels is a registered NDIS and My Aged Care provider in Sydney. We support people living with dementia and their families across a range of services.
We provide personal care, in-home daily living support, supported independent living, and community participation support. Our support workers are matched carefully to each participant. We focus on consistency so your loved one sees the same familiar face each visit. That consistency matters a lot for people living with dementia.
If you are not sure where to start, contact our team. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right path forward.
Learn about our Personal Care services →Learn about our SIL services → Contact our team