Allied health professionals and dementia
Allied health professionals are trained health workers who form a vital part of your healthcare team. Find out who they are and how they can support you.
Allied health professionals are trained health workers who form a vital part of your healthcare team.
Working with an allied health professional can help you to:
- manage your health conditions
- continue to do the things that are important to you
- stay independent, physically active and socially connected
- reduce the risk of complications, like falls or other conditions.
As well as working with you directly, allied health professionals can work with the people supporting you, including your family, friends and care team.
Types of allied health professionals
Depending on your needs, goals and services in your area, you may have one allied health professional, or a team working together to help you.
Allied health professionals include:
Counsellor, psychologist or dementia consultant
Helps you adjust to change and recognise feelings and emotions.
Dietitian
Gives you advice on diet and good nutrition.
Diversional therapist
Designs recreation programs to help you stay active and engaged.
Exercise physiologist
Assists you to improve strength, balance and movement
Music therapist
Improves your health, functioning and wellbeing through music.
Occupational therapist
Supports you to maintain independence and engage in meaningful activities.
Optometrist
Checks your eyesight and helps with eye health.
Oral health worker
Works with your dentist to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Podiatrist
Helps you maintain healthy feet.
Physiotherapist
Supports your balance, strength, mobility and physical functioning, pain and continence management.
Speech pathologist
Supports communication and staying socially connected, and supports you if you have difficulty swallowing.
How to access allied health care
Talk to your doctor about your needs, and how allied health professionals can support you.
You might access allied health professionals in different ways, including:
- your own doctor, if you need a referral
- private and public healthcare
- Medicare
- the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- My Aged Care
- specialist clinics
- community programs
- service providers
- private practices
- home visits
- residential aged care facilities (as a resident).
Paying for allied health care
You may access support services through government-funded packages, such as an NDIS or Home Care Package. Ask your package provider if it funds allied health services.
Some allied health professionals can be accessed for free through the public health system. Ask your doctor what options are available to you.
If you have private health insurance with cover for ancillary services like extras, ask your insurer what health services are included.
It’s okay to take care of your own health and happiness. If you're struggling as someone who cares for a person with dementia, contact the free, confidential National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, any time of the day or night, for information, advice and support.
