Living alone with dementia

The number of Australians living with dementia is increasing every year. At the same time more and more people are living alone. This means that the number of people living alone with dementia is set to rise.

More than 321,000 Australians currently live with dementia and that number is expected to increase to almost 900,000 by 2050. 70% of people with dementia live at home in the community. It is estimated up to one-third of those people may live alone.

It is often assumed that people with dementia are supported by a co-resident carer. People living alone with dementia are a vulnerable population who frequently fall through the cracks.

Yet, when they are well-supported, people with dementia can live independently in their own home for quite some time.

This Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Research to Practice Guide will assist service providers to support people living alone with dementia. It will also be useful for people who have family members or friends who live alone with dementia.