Alzheimer's Association of Queensland
The Association provides numerous services for both carers and the person with dementia, covering all aspects of dementia care. Services include: individual and group support; the Help Line; legal services; a range of respite options; residential care; information and education services; and community awareness programs. The Help Line is a 24 hour free call telephone service which can direct you to any dementia service offered, not only by the Association, but within your community as well.

Help Line: 1800 639 331.

Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs)
Assess the capacity of aged and disabled persons to live independently, and assist by recommending services to meet their needs. ACAT assessment is also mandatory for admission to all Commonwealth funded nursing homes and hostels. ACATs are usually based in hospitals, but will assess a person in their own home if so desired. From the results of discussions about the person's health, social and personal needs, the ACAT will help you choose the most appropriate services to meet those needs. However the final decision rests with you. Referrals to ACATs can be made by aged people themselves, family members, or other service providers.

Community Health Centres
Services provided include nursing assessments, home assessments, home help, home modifications, counselling, support groups, home medical aids, community liaison and referrals to other agencies. Community Health Centres differ from ACATs in that they provide hands on services following the assessment. Referrals to Community Health Centres are received from health and community agencies, and from clients and their families. Many of the services are means tested.

Home (Domicilliary) Nursing Services
Provide 'hands on' nursing care, assisting with medication, wound care, bathing and personal hygiene needs. These services are means tested. Private, fee based nursing services are also available in some areas.

Respite Services
Can be provided in home; at a respite centre; or in residential facilities such as a hostel or nursing home (referred to as holiday/short stay respite.) All are designed to give full time carers short term relief from their caring role. For in home and centre based respite, a small fee may apply. A daily fee is applicable to residential respite services. There is also a limit to the number of days of residential respite a carer may utilise.

Community Options Projects (COPs)
These are individually tailored care packages for people with complex needs which are not met by other services. The service is only available in certain geographical areas and is particularly useful for isolated communities.

Home Aids, Equipment and Modifications
There are several organisations that can advise and assist in this area.

Meals Services
Meals on Wheels and similar services may deliver daily meals to your home. Special meal requirements due to medical conditions and ethnic considerations are all catered for. Referral is via your doctor or other health care worker, and a small fee applies.

Home Visiting
Available through some neighbourhood and community centres, and select organisations such as Legacy. Volunteers visit your home for a few hours a week to provide companionship.

For more information on these services, and their availability in your area, as well as other available services, please contact the Help Line on 1800 639 331.