Geriatrician dementia Bunbury
Dementia care in Bunbury: finding the right support
When a loved one starts to struggle with memory, thinking, or daily tasks, it can be worrying for the whole family. You may not know where to turn or how quickly help is available. At South West Gerontology, we’re here to help with private dementia care. Dr Asan and I, geriatricians here in Bunbury, offer clear guidance, comprehensive assessments, and compassionate support to help you and your loved one find the right next steps.
Geriatrician dementia care and assessment
What does dementia care involve?
Dementia care is about much more than medication. It’s about seeing the whole person: their health, memory, mood, and ability to stay mobile and independent. Our goal is to help your loved one remain safe, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible.
What happens in a dementia assessment
A dementia assessment is about the whole person, not just memory tests. We look at:
- Memory, thinking, and mood
- Mobility, balance, and risk of falls
- Medical conditions and current medications
- Independence with daily tasks such as cooking, shopping, or handling money
- The home setting and available family support
This gives us a clear picture of what is happening and helps us plan together for the future.
Public and private pathways in Bunbury
When you’re looking for dementia care in Bunbury, there are two main pathways to consider. Through the public system, referrals usually go to the memory clinic located in the Homemakers centre in town. The wait time is often around two to three months.
Here at our private geriatric medicine clinic at St John of God Specialist centre, we usually see new patients within two weeks. This provides an alternative option for families who would like an earlier appointment with a geriatrician dementia specialist.
Creating a care plan together
Once the assessment is complete, we work with families to design a plan that feels practical and realistic. It may include:
- Advice on lifestyle changes that support brain health
- Adjusting or reviewing medications
- Considering dementia tablets if suitable
- Connecting with services such as Dementia Australia or local community groups
- Looking at new infusion therapy for early Alzheimer’s (for eligible patients)
Families are always part of the process, so the plan is clear and achievable.
Treatment options with a geriatrician dementia specialist
Supporting your loved one with medication
In the early to moderate stages of dementia, tablets may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and slow the condition’s progression. The most common tablets are from a group called cholinesterase inhibitors (like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine). These act on brain chemicals involved in memory and thinking, which may help with symptoms for some people.
These tablets are usually taken once or twice a day. Since memory can be a challenge with dementia, remembering to take them can be tough. As a family member, your help is key to making this go smoothly. Here are some simple, practical ways you can support your loved one:
- Use a pill organiser to track doses.
- Set reminders on a phone or smart speaker.
- Link medication to routines like mealtimes.
- Make it a shared activity to offer support and reduce anxiety.
If your loved one misses a dose, it’s usually best not to double up. Instead, wait for the next scheduled time. If you’re ever unsure about medicines, speak with us or your pharmacist for guidance.
New treatment for Alzheimer’s dementia
There is a newer treatment option for early Alzheimer’s disease, which we hope to offer next year once we have set up the processes in collaboration with St John of God Hospital Bunbury. The treatment involves giving a drug called Donanemab (Kisunla). It can only be given through the veins as a drip (infusion). Each infusion takes about half an hour and is supervised by our geriatrician dementia team. While it isn’t a cure, studies suggest it may slow progression for some people, and in some cases may be more effective than tablets. Careful checks are needed first, as not everyone is suitable.
The cost is significant; around AUD $82,000 for a full course for just the drug without including the tests, consultation fees and hospital day admission for the infusion—and it is not currently subsidised by Medicare or the PBS. We will always talk through potential risks, costs, and benefits before making any decision together.
When dementia is more advanced
Once dementia reaches a severe stage, medicines no longer help. Care then becomes centered on a person’s comfort, safety, and dignity. Around 30% of people are first referred to us at this stage, when daily independence has already been lost. Most people will need either 24-hour support at home or residential care. We can assist families in navigating these decisions and arranging the right support.
The role of lifestyle in dementia care
While medication is important, certain lifestyle choices can also make a big difference. We often recommend:
- Hearing checks and hearing aids if needed
- Eye reviews and treatment of conditions such as cataracts
- Reading, puzzles, and conversation to stimulate the brain
- Staying socially connected with family, friends, or groups
- Gentle exercise to support strength and balance
These small steps can improve day-to-day wellbeing when supported by a dementia care plan.
Geriatrician dementia Bunbury
When more help is needed at home
Sometimes, an assessment shows that a person needs more than just in-home support. This is where the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) steps in. An ACAT member will visit and help determine the right level of government support, whether that’s extra help at home or a move to residential aged care.
We always encourage families to think about these options early, even before care is urgently needed. Having these choices mapped out can take a lot of the stress out of future decisions.
Why families choose private dementia care
We understand that dementia affects the whole family, not just the individual. It’s why we focus on giving families clarity, reassurance, and a plan they can follow. By offering private dementia care in Bunbury, our team can provide a thorough assessment and ongoing support without long delays.
South West Gerontology operates out of St John of God Specialist Centre on Spencer Street and St John of God Bunbury Hospital. We also provide support for other conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, frailty and falls, medication reviews, perioperative care, and capacity assessments. Telehealth and home visits are also available for those who cannot attend in person.
Taking the first step
Worrying about a loved one’s memory or independence can feel overwhelming. A dementia assessment is the first step to getting the help you need. It will provide the answers, treatment options, and care plan you need. Most importantly, it will give you the reassurance that you’re not facing this alone. Our geriatrician dementia service in Bunbury is here to support you and your family.