by MNO Admin

What to Know About NDIS Support for Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can feel like everything is shifting. There is a lack of control and fear that memories will become harder to hold onto, routines will start to unravel, and everyday life becomes more challenging. But with the right support, life doesn’t stop. It just changes. For people under 65 living with younger-onset dementia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a powerful lifeline, offering personalised support that helps maintain independence, connection, and dignity.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how dementia is supported under the NDIS, what funding is available, who is eligible, and what kinds of services can make a real difference for people living with dementia and their families.

Does the NDIS Cover Dementia?

Yes! The NDIS does support people with younger-onset dementia, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Because dementia is a degenerative and permanent condition, it is considered a disability under the NDIS if it significantly impacts a person’s ability to carry out daily activities without support.

The NDIS offers individualised funding packages that can cover a wide range of supports for people living with dementia. These may include therapy, personal care, home modifications, assistive technology, and more, depending on the person’s needs and goals.

What Is Younger-Onset Dementia?

Younger onset dementia (also known as early onset dementia) refers to any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65. Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects a person’s memory, thinking, behaviour, and ability to perform everyday tasks. While often associated with older adults, younger onset dementia can affect people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—often during the peak of their careers, family life, and social responsibilities.

Dementia is not a single disease but a group of conditions that affect how the brain functions. It typically involves symptoms such as:

Memory loss
Confusion or disorientation
Difficulty with communication or reasoning
Personality changes
Reduced ability to perform everyday tasks

NDIS Eligibility for Younger-Onset Dementia

To access NDIS support for dementia, the following NDIS eligibility criteria must be met:

Age Requirement

You must be under 65 years old at the time of applying.
If you are 65 or older you’re supported through the aged care system (e.g. My Aged Care), which offers residential and home care packages, but not the same personalised funding model as the NDIS.
Dementia is funded by the NDIS only if it occurs earlier in life and is considered a disability, not just an ageing-related condition.

Residency

You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

Disability Criteria

You must have a permanent and significant disability. In this case, younger-onset dementia affects your ability to perform daily activities.
You need evidence from health professionals (such as a neurologist, GP, or occupational therapist) that demonstrates the impact of dementia on your functional capacity.

The earlier you apply, the better! Once you turn 65, you can no longer access the NDIS and must seek supports through aged care systems instead.

Supports Available for NDIS Dementia Participants

Once your NDIS plan is approved, it can include funding for a wide variety of supports depending on your circumstances. Common NDIS supports for dementia include:

Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance

Support workers can assist with tasks like showering, dressing, toileting, grooming, and preparing meals. Our goal is to help maintain safety and dignity at home.

Allied Health and Therapies

The NDIS can fund:

Occupational therapy for memory strategies and daily task management
Speech therapy for communication or swallowing issues
Physiotherapy to support mobility and prevent falls
Psychology or behavioural therapy for emotional wellbeing and adjustment

Assistive Technology

Participants can access tools and devices that make daily life easier and safer, such as:

Memory aids and timers
Easy-to-use phones and GPS tracking devices
Medication dispensers
Communication boards or voice-output devices
Wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility supports

Home Modifications

To improve safety and independence, the NDIS can fund home changes like:

Handrails and grab bars
Ramps and widened doorways
Slip-resistant flooring
Sensor lighting and exit alarms

Community Access and Social Participation

Funding may be available for support to attend:

Day programs or dementia-friendly social groups
Community outings and recreational activities
Events, classes, or volunteering opportunities

This helps reduce isolation and promotes connection with others.

Respite Care for Carers

NDIS can include short-term respite to give carers a break. This might involve in-home care, short stays at a support home, or community respite services.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

If independent living becomes unsafe, SIL may be included in your plan. SIL involves shared accommodation with 24/7 staff support and is tailored to participants with complex or high support needs.

Support Coordination or Plan Management

These services help you understand and manage your plan, connect with providers, and ensure your supports are delivered effectively.

Accessing the Right Dementia Supports Through the NDIS

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with younger-onset dementia, the NDIS can provide essential supports to maintain dignity, independence, and connection.

Applying early, providing strong evidence, and working with the right professionals will help you build a plan that truly reflects your needs and goals.

Whether you need assistance with daily tasks, communication, mobility, or navigating your care journey, NDIS dementia supports are designed to help you live the best life possible.

Need Help Navigating the NDIS for Dementia?

At Maple Community Services, we provide experienced NDIS support coordination, plan management, and complex care services for individuals living with younger-onset dementia. From helping you access the right funding to delivering high-quality daily supports, we walk with you every step of the way.