According to Dementia Australia, there are an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia, and over 68 per cent of aged care residents live with a moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

With dementia affecting hundreds of thousands of Australians, and more than half of aged care residents in some form, memory support care is an essential part of the residential aged care system, offering specialised care when it’s needed most.

When considering care for your loved one living with dementia, it’s important to consider what memory support involves, when to know it’s time to access it, and how to access it.

What is Memory Support in Aged Care?

Memory support care, also referred to as a Memory Support Unit (MSU) or Dementia Support Unit (DSU), is a specialised form of residential aged care designed for people living with cognitive impairments that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.

These care home areas provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of residents who may experience symptoms of cognitive impairment, including confusion, disorientation, or memory loss.

Key features of memory support care include:

• Secure environments to prevent absconding from the care and ensure the older person’s safety
• Specially trained staff with expertise in dementia care
• Structured daily routines to reduce anxiety and confusion
• Dementia-friendly design, such as clear signage, memory boxes (containing personal items to help room-recognition), and calming spaces to create a sense of comfort and homeliness
• Individualised care plans based on each resident’s cognitive and emotional needs

Similar to general aged care, memory support care focuses on maintaining quality of life, dignity, and independence for as long as possible, while managing the progression of cognitive decline.

When is it time to access memory support care?

It can be difficult to know when receiving support at home or generalised aged care is no longer enough, and when to make the decision to move our loved ones into specialised care. While every older person’s journey is different, there are common signs that indicate a move into memory support care may be beneficial to their wellbeing.

1. Increase in Memory Loss

• Frequently forgetting recent events or conversations
• Repeating questions or stories
• Misplacing items in unusual places

2. Experiencing Safety Concerns

• Leaving appliances on (e.g. stove, kettle, heaters)
• Wandering or getting lost – especially in familiar places
• Difficulty recognising hazards in the home

3. Changes in Behaviour or Personality

• Agitation, aggression, or anxiety
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Mood swings or confusion

4. Difficulty with Daily Tasks

• Trouble managing personal hygiene
• Forgetting to eat or drink
• Inability to manage medications correctly

5. Carer Stress or Burnout

• Family members feeling overwhelmed
• Increasing care needs beyond what can be safely managed at home

When these signs become frequent or severe, a structured environment like a memory support unit can provide 24/7 specialised care and supervision by trained staff, improving both safety and wellbeing.

How to access Memory Support care?

Taking the step to access memory support for our loved one can be an emotionally decision, however it is often a positive step toward ensuring their safety, dignity, and quality of life.

To find out what funding is necessary for your loved one to access memory support care, visit the My Aged Care website, or call them on 1800 200 422.

For resources and information about support groups in your area, you can visit the Dementia Australia website, or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Memory Support with Warrigal

Our friendly team is ready to support you while you explore memory support options for your loved ones.

We currently have opportunities in our Warrigal Shell Cove Residential Aged Care Memory Support Unit.

Please contact our team by calling 1800 927 744, or emailing warrigal@warrigal.com.au to find out more.