Dementia Aged Care Facilities in Australia 2026

Finding the right care for a loved one with dementia is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face. The emotions are real, the system is complex, and the stakes feel enormous.

This guide provides a clear, practical walkthrough of dementia-specific aged care facilities in Australia. You will learn what these facilities offer, how they differ from standard residential aged care, what the costs look like, and how to find the right one for your family.

What is dementia-specific aged care?

Dementia-specific aged care is residential care that is purpose-designed for people living with dementia. It goes beyond standard aged care by addressing the particular challenges that dementia creates, including confusion, disorientation, behavioural changes, and progressive loss of independence.

A dementia-specific facility (sometimes called a memory care unit or memory support unit) typically includes:

• Purpose-built environments with clear wayfinding, minimal dead ends, and calming design
• Secure access points to prevent residents from wandering into unsafe areas
• Staff trained in dementia care, including de-escalation, person-centred care, and communication techniques
• Structured daily routines that reduce confusion and provide predictability
• Activities designed for cognitive engagement, adapted to each resident’s stage of dementia

Not every aged care home offers dementia-specific care. Some homes have a dedicated secure wing or unit within a larger facility. Others are entirely dedicated to dementia care. The key difference from standard residential care is the combination of a secure physical environment, specialised staffing, and tailored programming.

Secure vs non-secure dementia units

One of the first distinctions you will encounter is whether a facility offers a secure or non-secure dementia unit. Understanding this difference is important for choosing the right level of care.

Secure dementia units

A secure unit restricts residents from leaving the area unsupervised. Features typically include:

• Locked or keypad-coded doors at all entry and exit points
• Enclosed gardens and outdoor areas where residents can move freely without leaving the facility
• Wander-detection technology such as sensor mats, door alarms, or wearable trackers
• Circular or looped walking paths so residents who pace can do so safely

Secure units are designed for people with moderate to advanced dementia who are at risk of wandering, which is a common and potentially dangerous behaviour. According to Dementia Australia, up to 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point during their illness.

Non-secure dementia units

A non-secure unit provides dementia-focused care, activities, and trained staff, but does not restrict residents’ movement. These units suit people in the earlier stages of dementia who:

• Are not at risk of wandering
• Benefit from the social and cognitive programming of a dementia unit
• Do not need the physical security measures of a locked environment

Some families initially choose a non-secure unit and later transition to a secure unit as their loved one’s condition progresses. Many facilities offer both options on the same campus, making this transition easier.

How dementia-specific facilities are staffed

Staffing is one of the most important factors in the quality of dementia care. In a well-run dementia unit, you should expect:

Staff-to-resident ratios

Dementia units generally maintain higher staff-to-resident ratios than standard aged care wings. This is because residents with dementia require more one-on-one assistance with daily tasks and more frequent supervision for safety.

Since October 2023, all Australian aged care homes must meet a minimum care standard of 200 minutes of care per resident per day, including at least 40 minutes with a registered nurse. Dementia-specific units often exceed this minimum.

Dementia-specific training

Look for facilities where staff have completed training beyond the minimum Certificate III in Individual Support. Relevant qualifications and programs include:

• Dementia-specific modules within Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• Dementia Essentials training through Dementia Australia
• Person-centred care training (such as the Montessori method for dementia)
• Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) management

The best facilities invest in ongoing training, not just initial certification. Ask how often staff receive refresher training and whether they have access to dementia care specialists or psychogeriatric consultants.

Registered nurses and allied health

A registered nurse should be on-site 24 hours a day in any residential aged care facility. For dementia-specific care, also ask about access to:

• Occupational therapists who can assess and adapt the environment to each resident’s abilities
• Physiotherapists who maintain mobility and reduce fall risk
• Speech pathologists who support residents with swallowing difficulties or communication changes
• Psychologists or psychiatrists who can support residents experiencing severe behavioural symptoms

Activities and engagement in dementia care

Meaningful activity is not a luxury in dementia care. It is a core part of treatment. Well-designed activities reduce agitation, improve mood, maintain cognitive function for longer, and give residents a sense of purpose.

What good activity programs look like

A quality dementia care facility will offer structured activities that are adapted to different stages of dementia:

• Reminiscence therapy: Using music, photographs, and familiar objects to prompt memories and conversation
• Sensory stimulation: Aromatherapy, textured materials, gentle massage, and music therapy
• Physical activity: Gentle exercise classes, walking groups, seated movement programs, and gardening
• Creative activities: Art therapy, singing groups, and simple craft activities adapted to ability level
• Daily living tasks: Folding towels, setting tables, sorting objects, and other familiar tasks that maintain skills and provide a sense of contribution
• Social engagement: Small group activities, one-on-one companionship, and family involvement programs

Stage-appropriate care

Dementia is not a single condition. It progresses through stages, and care must adapt accordingly.

Early-stage dementia: Residents may still be relatively independent. Activities focus on maintaining existing skills, social connection, and cognitive stimulation. Residents may participate in outings, group discussions, and more complex activities.

Mid-stage dementia: Communication becomes more difficult and assistance with daily tasks increases. Activities shift toward sensory stimulation, music, simple structured tasks, and routine-based engagement. This stage often requires the transition to a secure unit.

Late-stage dementia: Residents need full assistance with all daily activities. Care focuses on comfort, dignity, sensory experiences (gentle touch, music, familiar voices), and palliative support. Quality of life at this stage depends heavily on compassionate, attentive staff.

A good facility will regularly reassess each resident’s care plan and adjust activities and support as their condition changes.

Wandering prevention and safety

Wandering is one of the most common safety concerns in dementia care. A person with dementia may attempt to leave a facility because they are confused about where they are, are looking for something familiar, or are simply restless.

How facilities manage wandering risk

Well-designed dementia facilities use a layered approach to wandering prevention:

1. Building design: Circular corridors that allow residents to walk freely without reaching a dead end or an exit. Clear visual cues and colour-coded areas that help with orientation.
2. Secure entry and exit: Coded or locked doors that prevent unsupervised exit while still allowing free movement within the unit.
3. Outdoor access: Enclosed gardens and courtyards where residents can spend time outdoors safely. Access to fresh air and nature is important for wellbeing and reduces agitation.
4. Technology: Sensor mats near exits, GPS-enabled wearables, and door alarms that alert staff when a resident approaches a boundary.
5. Staff awareness: Trained staff who recognise wandering patterns and redirect residents calmly and without confrontation.

When visiting a facility, observe whether residents have access to outdoor spaces and whether the environment feels open and calm rather than institutional and restrictive. The best secure units feel like homes, not locked wards.

Sundowning and night-time wandering

Many people with dementia experience sundowning, a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening. This can lead to night-time wandering, which is particularly dangerous.

Dementia-specific facilities manage sundowning through:

• Consistent daily routines that reduce anxiety as the day progresses
• Adequate lighting in the late afternoon to reduce disorientation caused by shadows
• Calming activities in the evening such as music, gentle movement, or warm drinks
• Night staff trained to respond calmly and redirect residents who are awake and unsettled
• Sensor technology that alerts staff to night-time movement without disturbing other residents

Ask any facility you visit how they specifically handle sundowning and night-time wandering, as this is a strong indicator of dementia care quality.

How much dementia-specific aged care costs

The cost of dementia-specific aged care follows the same government fee structure as all residential aged care in Australia. Dementia care does not attract a separate government fee category, but some facilities charge higher accommodation prices for their dementia-specific or secure units.

Fee breakdown

Fee type	What it covers	Who pays
Basic daily fee	Living costs: meals, cleaning, laundry, utilities	Everyone. Set at 85% of the single basic Age Pension (approximately $66.80/day)
Means-tested care fee	A contribution toward the cost of your care	Depends on your income and assets. Not everyone pays this. Capped annually and over a lifetime
Accommodation payment	The cost of your room	Depends on your means test. Can be paid as a lump sum (RAD), daily payment (DAP), or a combination
Extra or additional services	Premium room features, pay TV, hairdressing	Optional. Only if you choose a higher service level

For a detailed guide on each fee type, read our guide on how to choose a nursing home in Australia.

What the government covers

The Australian Government subsidises the care component for all residents. The subsidy is higher for residents with greater care needs, including those with dementia. This means the government contribution toward care in a dementia-specific unit is typically higher than for a resident without cognitive impairment.

If your loved one has limited income and assets, they may be classified as a fully supported resident or a partially supported resident, which reduces or eliminates the means-tested care fee and accommodation costs.

Financial hardship

If you are struggling to afford aged care, you can apply to Services Australia for a financial hardship supplement. This can reduce fees to a manageable level. Facilities that accept government-subsidised residents cannot refuse a resident based on their financial situation alone.

For more detail on aged care costs and fees, our aged care hub provides additional resources.

How to find dementia-specific facilities

Step 1: Get an ACAT assessment

Before you can access any government-subsidised residential aged care, your loved one needs an assessment from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This is arranged through My Aged Care.

To start the process:

• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Or visit myagedcare.gov.au

An assessor will visit your loved one at home to evaluate their physical, cognitive, and social care needs. If they are approved for residential care, they will be placed on the National Priority System, which manages placement based on urgency.

Step 2: Search for facilities with dementia care

Use the My Aged Care service finder to search for residential aged care homes in your area. Filter for facilities that offer “dementia care” or “secure dementia care.”

You can also:

• Ask your loved one’s GP or geriatrician for recommendations
• Contact Dementia Australia’s National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for guidance
• Speak with an aged care placement specialist who knows the local options

Step 3: Visit and compare facilities

Do not choose a facility based on a website or brochure alone. Visit in person, ideally more than once and at different times of day. Bring your loved one if they are comfortable with the visit.

During your visit, observe:

• How staff interact with residents. Are they patient, warm, and respectful?
• Whether residents appear engaged or are sitting idle with no stimulation
• The cleanliness and condition of the environment
• Whether outdoor areas are accessible and well-maintained
• The noise level and general atmosphere

Check the facility’s star ratings on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website for independent quality assessments.

Step 4: Apply to your preferred facilities

You can apply to multiple facilities at the same time. Each facility manages its own waitlist. Be upfront about your loved one’s care needs, including any behavioural symptoms, so the facility can confirm they are able to provide appropriate care.

If your loved one’s needs are urgent (for example, they are a safety risk at home), the ACAT assessment can flag them as a priority, which may speed up placement.

Questions to ask when visiting a dementia care facility

Asking the right questions during a facility visit helps you compare options and identify the best fit. Here is a practical checklist:

About staffing and training:

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio in the dementia unit during the day? At night?
• What dementia-specific training do your care staff receive?
• Is a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day?
• Do you have access to psychogeriatric specialists or dementia consultants?

About the environment:

• Is the dementia unit secure? How do you manage wandering?
• Do residents have access to enclosed outdoor areas?
• How is the unit designed to support orientation and reduce confusion?

About care and activities:

• What does a typical day look like for a resident in the dementia unit?
• How do you adapt activities for residents at different stages of dementia?
• How do you manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia?
• What is your approach to medication management for behavioural symptoms?

About communication and family involvement:

• How will you keep me informed about changes in my loved one’s condition?
• Can family members visit at any time?
• Do you offer family education or support groups?
• How do you involve families in care planning?

About continuity of care:

• Can my loved one stay here as their dementia progresses to advanced stages?
• Do you provide palliative care and end-of-life support on-site?
• Under what circumstances might a resident need to transfer to another facility?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dementia care and memory care?

In Australia, the terms are used interchangeably. “Memory care” is more common in the United States. Both refer to specialised residential care for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. When searching for facilities, look for “dementia-specific care,” “secure dementia unit,” or “memory support unit.”

How are dementia facilities different from regular aged care?

Dementia-specific facilities have purpose-built secure environments, higher staff-to-resident ratios, staff with additional dementia training, and activity programs designed for cognitive engagement. The physical environment is designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Standard aged care homes provide general nursing care but may not have these specialised features.

What happens if my loved one’s behaviour becomes challenging?

Behavioural changes are a core part of dementia, and dementia-specific facilities are equipped to manage them. Staff use de-escalation techniques, person-centred care approaches, and individualised care plans. If behavioural symptoms are severe, the facility may consult a psychogeriatrician or access the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) for additional support.

Will my loved one lose their independence in a facility?

A good dementia care facility focuses on what a person can still do, not what they cannot. Person-centred care means supporting residents to participate in daily activities, make choices, and maintain their routines as much as possible. Independence looks different at each stage of dementia, and care plans are adjusted to match.

Can I get respite care in a dementia-specific facility?

Yes. Many dementia-specific facilities offer respite care for up to 63 days per financial year (with the possibility of extensions). Respite gives your loved one a trial experience of the facility and gives you as a carer a break. You need an ACAT approval for residential respite care, which you can arrange through My Aged Care.

What if my loved one does not want to move into a facility?

This is common and understandable. A person with dementia may not recognise that they need additional care. Strategies that can help include:

• Having their GP or a trusted health professional recommend the move
• Framing it as a trial or respite stay rather than a permanent move
• Involving them in the choice of facility where possible
• Bringing familiar items from home to make their room feel personal
• Visiting regularly, especially in the first few weeks, to provide reassurance

If the situation is urgent and your loved one lacks capacity to make safe decisions, speak with their GP about guardianship options or contact the Aged Care Assessment Team for guidance.

Getting help with your search

Choosing a dementia care facility is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your family. The right facility provides your loved one with safety, dignity, meaningful engagement, and expert care. It also gives you peace of mind.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Carevo is a connection platform that links families with aged care specialists who understand dementia care and can support you through the process of finding the right facility.

If you need help finding dementia-specific aged care, understanding your options, or navigating the assessment process, call 1800 953 253 or visit our residential aged care services page to find the right provider through Carevo.

You can also explore our aged care resource hub for more guides on fees, assessments, and choosing the right care for your family.

For a broader look at how to evaluate residential aged care options, read our guide on how to choose a nursing home in Australia.