Allied health support crucial for better dementia care

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, many families find themselves uncertain about where to turn for help. With more than 433,000 Australians living with dementia in 2025, a number expected to nearly double by 2054, it's vital for those affected to have easy access to early support and care.

“Dementia is not only a health condition, but a challenge for the entire family,” said Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan. “People with dementia and their families often face difficulties navigating healthcare and aged care systems, including finding the right allied health services.”

To help people living with dementia maintain their quality of life, organisations like Dementia Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, and Speech Pathology Australia are calling for better access to essential allied health services, including speech therapy and occupational therapy. These services play a key role in helping people manage their condition and maintain independence for as long as possible.

Professor Buchanan explained, "Allied health professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists provide vital support. They help people living with dementia maintain their physical and cognitive health, which is critical for their long-term well-being."

In their Federal Pre-Budget Submission for 2025-26, Dementia Australia is asking the government to fund the development of a team of "Dementia Specialist Navigators." These specialists would help people living with dementia better access the services they need to manage their condition.

The importance of allied health services was highlighted in a recent Dementia Australia webinar, Dementia and Allied Health: Personal and Professional Perspectives on the Benefits of Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology. The webinar featured expert speakers, including Australian Government Department of Health Chief Allied Health Officer Anita Hobson-Powell and leaders from Speech Pathology Australia and Occupational Therapy Australia.

Lyn Brodie, CEO of Speech Pathology Australia, emphasised that speech therapy is a critical part of dementia care and should be available to all those living with dementia. “Having a clear and well-funded pathway to speech pathology services is essential for people with dementia and their carers,” she said.

Samantha Hunter, CEO of Occupational Therapy Australia, explained that occupational therapists help improve the lives of people with dementia by making home modifications, recommending assistive technologies, and providing tailored interventions in both home and care settings.

Scott Cooper and John Quinn, Dementia Australia advocates, shared personal stories about how allied health services have improved their lives. Scott, who uses both speech therapy and occupational therapy, highlighted the importance of these services in maintaining his independence. "The support from an occupational therapist allows me to keep doing the things I enjoy,” he said.

For people living with dementia and their families, access to these services is crucial. A clear pathway to allied health support can make a real difference in improving quality of life.

For more information or support, contact Dementia Australia’s National Dementia Helpline 24/7 at 1800 100 500.