Cassandra's Compass
Government Dementia & Aged Care Programs
Australian Government-funded programs for dementia and aged care — workforce training, 24/7 behavioural support, and palliative care resources — in one browsable directory.
Government-funded support, all in one place
Beyond the well-known gateways (My Aged Care, Carer Gateway), the Australian Government funds a range of dedicated dementia and aged care programs — many of them completely free. This directory gathers them by category so carers, care staff, and health professionals can find the right program quickly. Every program listed here is government-funded and links only to its official website.
A living directory — new programs are added as they are discovered and verified.
Government-funded programs building the skills and confidence of the dementia and aged care workforce.
DREAM — Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring
FreeFunded by: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing · developed by the UTAS Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre in partnership with Dementia Support Australia
DREAM strengthens the dementia respite workforce across Australia through five free self-paced education modules, a peer Community of Practice, and direct access to experienced Dementia Support Coaches. It is designed for anyone working in dementia respite care — from frontline respite staff to service coordinators.
Visit official websiteGovernment-funded clinical services supporting carers and staff managing changed behaviours due to dementia (BPSD).
DBMAS — Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service
FreeFunded by: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing · delivered nationally by Dementia Support Australia
DBMAS is a free, government-funded 24-hour helpline (1800 699 799) offering assessment, clinical support, care planning, and staff mentoring for anyone supporting a person experiencing changed behaviours due to dementia. It is available to family carers, care staff, and service providers alike — at any hour, in every state and territory.
Visit official websiteGovernment-funded training and resources for advance care planning and palliative care in dementia.
The Advance Project
FreeFunded by: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing · developed by HammondCare with a national consortium of palliative care and dementia experts
The Advance Project provides free training, tools, and resources that make it easier to initiate end-of-life conversations, complete advance care planning, and assess the palliative care needs of people living with dementia. It is designed for the aged care and primary care workforce — GPs, nurses, and care staff — with tailored learning packages for each group.
Visit official websiteConnected Tools on Cassandra's Compass
Program details and links last checked 1 October 2026 against each program's official website. Government programs, eligibility criteria and contact details change over time — always confirm current details on the official program page before relying on them. This directory is general information and does not replace professional advice.
Know of a government-funded dementia or aged care program we should list? Let us know via Feedback — we verify every program against its official website before adding it.
Knowledge doesn't just inform care — it transforms it. Every thing you learn about dementia, every framework you understand, every skill you build, translates directly into better moments for the person in front of you. That is why education in aged care is not optional. It is the most powerful act of care we have.
— Cassandra's Compass
Verified against official sources on 1 October 2026