Dementia Care Newcastle

There’s something deeply grounding about home. The scent of their favourite meal cooking in the kitchen. The feel of their own pillow. The soft shuffle down a hallway they've known for decades. These things do more than offer comfort—they anchor a person with dementia in a world that often feels like it's shifting under their feet. That’s why familiar surroundings aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.

That’s where in-home care can make all the difference. It keeps their rhythm intact. It helps maintain dignity. There’s no need to uproot their routine or separate them from the life they’ve built. Instead, the support comes to them. In-home dementia care isn’t just about tasks—it’s about offering calm through consistency, warmth through companionship, and safety without stripping independence.

This is where we come in.

At Support Network, we walk in gently, take time to listen, and shape care around your loved one—not the other way around. Every day, we help families across Newcastle create safer, steadier days for people living with dementia—without taking away the essence of who they are. If you're ready to talk, give us a call on 1300 671 931. You don’t have to do this alone.

Our Approach to In-Home Dementia Care

Every person living with dementia is still very much a person. That’s where we begin.

No two journeys look alike, and no two care plans should either. Some days are calm, others are not. That’s part of it. But there’s always a way to hold on to what matters—who they are, what they love, and what still brings them comfort. In-home dementia care, the way we see it, is about staying close to the person, even as things change around them.

We don’t follow a script—we follow the person

We spend time getting to know the person we’re supporting, not just their condition. What makes them smile? What do they reach for when they're feeling lost? We take all of it into account—their personality, their daily rhythm, the stage they’re at. That’s what shapes the care plan. It’s not clinical charts that lead us—it’s the person in front of us.

Some people need gentle prompts and support with meals. Others may be facing memory loss that makes the world feel unfamiliar. Wherever they’re at, we stay close and adapt as we go.

It’s a balance—support the body, connect with the heart

Yes, we manage care tasks. But just as important is the connection. The warmth. The everyday kindness that makes someone feel safe. A familiar voice at breakfast. A calm tone when the day gets overwhelming. The little things matter just as much as the checklist.

We also bring in gentle strategies that help reconnect and soothe, without forcing anything:

• Reminiscence therapy: Holding an old family photo, hearing a familiar accent, flipping through a well-worn recipe book—these spark memories that still live quietly inside.
• Validation therapy: Instead of correcting, we join their reality. If they think it’s 1972, we walk alongside them for a while. It’s not about “fixing” the moment—it’s about easing it.
• Music and memory: A few notes from a favourite tune can sometimes light up a whole afternoon. Music cuts through in ways that words can’t always manage.

Care that still makes room for joy, pride, and small wins

Dementia doesn’t take away the need to feel useful, to laugh, or to be included. We look for ways to bring those moments into each day. Maybe it’s helping butter toast. Maybe it’s folding towels while humming along to a song. These aren’t chores—they’re chances to feel part of things.

And it’s not just about what they need—it’s about what they can still do. That’s something we protect.

We’re here for the carers too—you don’t have to carry it all

This journey is just as real for you. The long nights, the second-guessing, the mental exhaustion—it can sneak up even when you’re trying to stay strong. We keep an eye on that too. We’re not just stepping in to help your loved one—we’re showing up for you as well.

Whether it’s someone to lean on, to talk things through, or just to give you a break when your cup is empty, we’re here. Every bit of care we give is shared with the people around the person too.

You’re not alone in this. You really aren’t.

What We Offer: Services That Fit Your Life

We tailor care around your home, your family, your needs.

Some families need a gentle hand just a few hours a week. Others need someone to be there through the long nights, the changing moods, or those quiet early mornings when things feel a bit uncertain. No two days look exactly the same when dementia is part of your life—and we shape our care with that in mind.

Here’s what we can offer. No pressure. Just real support, designed to work with your world—not against it.

• Personal care that’s handled with dignity
  Things like bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting can become difficult—but they don’t have to feel uncomfortable. We handle these routines with care, respect, and patience. Whether it's helping your loved one feel fresh in the morning or supporting them through a bedtime routine, we do it gently and without rushing.
• Medication prompts and medical coordination
  Remembering which pill to take and when can get tricky. We help with reminders, and where needed, we keep in touch with doctors or specialists to ensure everything stays on track. No confusing schedules. Just steady, quiet support in the background.
• Nutrition support and simple meal preparation
  Sometimes it's about making sure meals are nourishing. Other times, it’s just making sure they eat at all. We help with both. Whether it’s prepping a warm lunch, chopping fruit, or gently encouraging them to sit down for a few bites, we try to keep mealtime relaxed and familiar.
• Safety monitoring, especially when things get unpredictable
  If your loved one tends to wander, becomes disoriented, or forgets where they are, we’re there. We keep a soft eye on their movements, gently redirect when needed, and make small changes around the home to reduce risks. Safety doesn’t have to mean locking everything down—it can be subtle and respectful.
• Companionship that goes beyond small talk
  Everyone needs a little company—someone to talk to, laugh with, or simply sit beside. We provide real connection, not just tasks. Reading aloud, chatting about old memories, helping with a puzzle, or listening to music together—it’s these quiet, shared moments that make a difference.
• Mobility support and help with transfers
  Whether it’s getting in and out of bed, using the toilet, or just making it from the lounge to the kitchen, we offer physical support in a calm and steady way. No rush, no fuss. Just enough help to keep them safe without making them feel helpless.
• Respite care that lets you breathe
  You can’t pour from an empty cup—and caregiving takes a lot out of you. If you need to step out for a few hours, run errands, or simply lie down for a while, we’ve got it covered. You’re not handing over your role. You’re just sharing it for a bit.
• Domestic help that takes things off your plate
  The washing’s piling up. Dishes need doing. Floors haven’t seen a mop in a while. We’re happy to help with those things too. It’s not about perfection—it’s about easing your load and keeping the house ticking along with less stress.
• Flexible visits—on your terms
  Maybe you just need a bit of help after dinner each night. Or maybe you need someone around the clock. We offer both scheduled daily visits and full 24/7 care, depending on what works best for your family. It’s your space, your schedule. We just fit into it.
• Support during difficult behavioural shifts
  Dementia can bring changes in mood, confusion, restlessness, even aggression. These moments can feel overwhelming—but we don’t turn away. We respond with calm, consistency, and strategies that come from real understanding. No judgement. Just help, when it’s needed most.
• Light housekeeping and laundry
  We’ll fold clothes, do the dishes, change bed linens—whatever helps the household run smoother. It’s not about deep-cleaning—it’s about making sure your home stays comfortable, clean, and calm.
• Gentle care during end-of-life stages
  If the time comes, we don’t disappear. We continue walking alongside you and your loved one, offering comfort, respect, and stillness where needed. It’s about presence, not process. About dignity, not clinical checklists.

We’re not here to take over—we’re here to join in. To offer hands-on help without disrupting the heart of your home. Whatever your day looks like, we’ll meet you in it—with care that bends around the person, not the other way around.

Let’s make things lighter, steadier, and more manageable—together.

How In-Home Dementia Care Helps Everyone

Sometimes people think in-home care is just about keeping things clean, taking care of medications, or helping with meals. But it runs deeper than that. Good dementia care, done in the comfort of home, doesn’t just help the person living with dementia—it gives the whole family room to breathe, reconnect, and carry on with a little more ease.

Here’s how it helps—on both sides of the story.

For the Person Living with Dementia

• Keeps their world familiar
  There’s a quiet power in waking up in your own bed, hearing the same clock tick, feeling the morning sun land on the same spot in the room. Familiarity matters more than ever—it reduces confusion, and gives the brain soft places to land.
• Eases disorientation and distress
  Being surrounded by familiar sounds, smells, and faces helps settle the nervous system. There’s less of that fight-or-flight panic that can come when routines are disrupted. When the world already feels hard to grasp, little consistencies make a big difference.
• Keeps family, pets, and memories close
  There’s no need to part ways with the dog they’ve always adored, the chair they love, or the faces they’ve known for decades. Staying at home means keeping those quiet comforts close—the things that don’t have to be explained, because they’ve always just been there.

For the Carer or Family

• Takes some of the weight off your shoulders
  You’re doing your best—but you don’t have to do it all. Bringing in support gives you time to breathe, rest, and recover without guilt. It’s okay to share the load. That doesn’t make you any less loving—it makes you human.
• Reduces risk of burnout
  Caring for someone day in and day out can wear you down slowly. Having someone step in, even for a few hours a week, can stop the spiral before it starts. It gives you a buffer. A pause. A reset.
• Gives you back time—not just tasks
  When you’re not scrambling to manage every detail, you get to simply be with your loved one again. To laugh, sit quietly, hold their hand without rushing. Care becomes connection again—not just a checklist.

Sometimes, a bit of help at home isn’t just a service—it’s a relief. A rebalancing. A small but steady way to hold everyone up. And that changes everything.

Who We Support

There’s no one way to experience dementia—and no single path through it. That’s why we keep our doors open wide. Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or you’re years into caring for someone, we’re here to walk alongside you in a way that feels steady, kind, and practical.

We support people living in all stages of dementia—from those in the early days who are still managing well with a bit of support, to those in more advanced stages who need round-the-clock care. Each person brings their own story, and we shape our care around that.

We also support families who are still trying to find their footing after a diagnosis, carers who need a break to recharge, and those waiting on residential placement but needing support in the meantime.

Already on a Home Care Package or NDIS plan? We can fit into that. Need something more private and flexible? We offer that too.

It’s not about ticking eligibility boxes. It’s about showing up in ways that feel right, whether that’s a few visits a week or something more hands-on. If you’re not sure where you fit, just give us a call. We’ll figure it out, together.

Care Plan Design & How It Works

Getting help at home shouldn't feel like another mountain to climb. We’ve made the process as calm and personal as the care we offer. There’s no pressure to know everything before you reach out—we guide you through it gently.

Here’s how it usually unfolds:

• Step 1: You reach out—by phone, by message, whatever’s easiest for you. We’ll have a quick chat to understand your needs.
• Step 2: We visit your home. Not to inspect, but to talk. We’ll sit down, listen, and learn more about your situation.
• Step 3: We create a tailored care plan that fits your life. It could be short-term help while you recover or long-term support that evolves over time.
• Step 4: Care begins—quietly, respectfully, and at your pace. We don’t just “start and stop”—we adapt as things change.

We’re also mindful that life doesn’t always give much notice. If you need urgent help or support to begin quickly, we’ll do what we can to get care in place without delay.

Whether you’re thinking weeks ahead or need help by Monday, we’ll meet you where you are.

Funding & Support

We understand that the paperwork side of care can feel just as overwhelming as the emotional side. You’re not expected to navigate all of it alone—we’re here to walk you through it, one step at a time.

We offer support across several funding options:

• Home Care Packages (HCPs) – We can work within your approved level of care.
• NDIS support – If dementia falls under your plan, we’ll help fit the care to your goals.
• Private pay – For those who want flexible arrangements without waiting periods.

Not sure where to begin? We can:

• Help you understand what you may be eligible for
• Assist with filling out applications or paperwork
• Talk through subsidy options and timelines
• Explain how our services fit into your budget

The truth is, this stuff can feel like a maze—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll sit down, explain the options, and take the next step with you.

If you’re unsure what’s possible, just reach out. We’ll help you make sense of it all—with clarity, not confusion.