Family engagement counselling for younger onset dementia

Dementia Australia has a specialist counselling service for family groups, especially where someone lives with younger onset dementia. 

This free service is offered anywhere in Australia. It recognises the complex relationship issues faced by families impacted by younger onset dementia. 

The service is for all family members, including children under 18 years of age. 

Family engagement counsellors work with each family’s unique needs and objectives, supporting them by: 

• bringing family members together to explore the practical and emotional impacts of dementia on each person
• exploring coping mechanisms, helping identify how each person’s role might have changed
• exploring complex decisions, such as the continuation of employment or schooling for family members
• facilitating access to appropriate support, such as respite services. 

Families are supported to work towards achieving goals and improving their capacity to manage change and challenges. 

While the person living with dementia is at the centre of the service and encouraged to participate, they can choose not to be part of the counselling.

To find out more, contact the National Dementia Helpline on free call 1800 100 500 or complete our enquiry form.

For language assistance call 131 450.