71 Supporting a Loved One With Dementia: What You Need To Know

Dementia is now Australia's leading cause of death, yet most families still don't talk about it until they're already in crisis. In this episode, Naomi sits down with Co-Founder of Aged Care Conversations, Louise Greene to unpack what it actually looks like to support a loved one through a dementia diagnosis. Louise works alongside families every day as they navigate a dementia diagnosis, helping them find the right support through My Aged Care and connect with the community that makes caring for someone with dementia a little less isolating.  In this episode: The early signs of dementia families to look out for Why a dementia diagnosis can take years, and why getting one matters How to register for My Aged Care, and what Louise's team actually helps with What to weigh up when choosing an aged care facility — care needs, location and affordability Why carer isolation is so common, and where to find real support, including dementia cafes What the research says about reducing your own risk of dementia Louise's new resource for Dementia Action Week, Discussing Dementia [placeholder — confirm cost and availability] Share this episode with the friend who's quietly worrying about a parent, or about themselves. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more women find this show.   If you would like to connect with Louise, you can find her at https://agedcareconversations.com.au/. Resources mentioned: My Aged Care — 1800 200 422 / myagedcare.gov.au Dementia Australia / National Dementia Helpline — 1800 100 500 (24/7) / dementia.org.au The numbers behind this episode: An estimated 446,500 Australians are currently living with dementia, with around 1.7 million people involved in caring for them (Dementia Australia). Dementia is Australia's leading cause of death (Australian Bureau of Statistics; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Dementia in Australia report, 2026). Professor Henry Brodaty AO, the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, is referenced on dementia prevention research (UNSW).