- Age determines the pathway
- Under 65?
- Under 65 → NDIS · Over 65 → My Aged Care
- When guidance matters most
- First 2 weeks
- and when the wrong information causes the most harm
- Function, not just diagnosis
- GP letters matter
- a functional letter accelerates NDIS access
The post-diagnosis consultation is often the first time a family hears the words "dementia" and "what happens next" in the same breath. Having a clear framework to offer not just a brochure is what they need from their GP.
Which Funding System Applies?
The determination is straightforward in most cases:
NDIS
National Disability Insurance Scheme. Dementia is accepted as meeting the permanent impairment criterion. An NDIA access request can be submitted now.
My Aged Care
Refer to myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for an ACAT assessment. CHSP can provide bridging support while the assessment runs.
Explore NDIS
If dementia onset was before age 65 — which defines younger onset dementia — NDIS eligibility should be explored regardless of existing aged care enrolment.
The Referral Sequence
For a newly diagnosed patient under 65, this is the recommended order of referrals:
Neurologist or geriatrician
If not already involved — to obtain a specialist report confirming diagnosis, documenting cognitive domains affected, and mapping these to functional limitations. This is the primary NDIS access evidence.
Occupational therapist
Functional capacity assessment objectively documenting what the patient can and cannot do safely. Significantly strengthens the NDIS application and informs the planning meeting.
NDIS Local Area Coordinator
Can assist the patient and family to complete the access request and prepare for the planning meeting. Engaging early prevents delays.
Specialist dementia support coordinator
As early as possible — while waiting for NDIS access approval. A specialist coordinator prepares the family for planning, advocates for adequate funding, and manages the system on the patient's behalf.
What to Tell the Family in the First Consultation
Each of these points should be covered keep it simple, and offer the take-home summary from the tool below:
Tell them plainly: NDIS if under 65, My Aged Care if over 65. This is the first question they will google at 11pm — getting it right now saves confusion.
The NDIS provides funding — not services directly. A planning meeting determines what gets funded. The plan is not automatic. Getting a good plan requires preparation.
NDIS access and planning takes weeks to months. Interim support needs to come from family, CHSP, or other sources while the plan is developed. Set realistic expectations.
If cognitive impairment raises concerns about driving safety, this needs to be discussed directly. Refer for an occupational therapist driver assessment. This is a legal obligation — not an optional conversation.
Tell them not to navigate the system alone. A specialist dementia support coordinator — not a generic NDIS coordinator — will produce a significantly better plan outcome.
The earlier a specialist dementia support coordinator is engaged, the better the plan outcome. Engaging one after the planning meeting or after the first plan review fails is significantly harder than getting it right at the start.