NDIS vs My Aged Care for Dementia Support: What's the Difference? 

So , what's the difference? More often than not, age is the deciding factor. If you or your loved one is under 65 and living with dementia, the NDIS is often the right choice for you. However, if you're 65 or older when you first seek support, My Aged Care is the right fit for you.

At dementia diagnosis can turn family life upside down, and the funding systems can feel like another mountain of stress that you have to conquer. This guide makes it easy for you to understand how each system works and compare them side by side. You'll also find the questions to ask and the steps to apply. Whether you're living with dementia or caring for someone, after reading this you will get a clear idea of where to start.

A few things to remember about both the systems:

• Each one starts with an assessment of your needs.
• Each one can fund support at home and help for carers.
• Neither one pays for everyday living costs like food and rent.

What is NDIS dementia support?

The NDIS funds "reasonable and necessary" support for people with a permanent and significant disability. Dementia is a progressive condition, so many people with younger onset dementia meet this requirement.

To apply, you must:

• Be under 65 when you make your access request
• Live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder
• Show that dementia affects your daily life in a lasting way

NDIS dementia support can include:

• Support workers who help with personal care, meals and household tasks
• Occupational therapy, speech therapy and other allied health services
• Assistive technology, such as reminder devices and safety alarms
• Home modifications that make your home safer
• Support coordination to help you organise your services
• Help to keep up hobbies, social groups and community activities

Dementia changes over time, so your support should change tooo. You  can ask the NDIA to check your plan whenever your needs shift.

What is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care Contacts older Australians with government-funded aged care. You start with a phone call or an online form, and an assessor then visits to understand your needs.

Depending on your assesment, My Aged Care can connect you with:

• Entry-level help at home, such as cleaning, meals, transport and social support through the common wealth Home Support Programme.
• Support at Home, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025 and funds more complex care at home
• Respite care, so family carers can take a well-earned break
• Residential aged care, including memory support units in many homes

Aged care fees usually depend on your income and assets. Many people pay a contribution toward their care, while the government covers the rest.

NDIS vs My Aged Care at a glance

This table shows the key differences between the two systems.

Which system suits your situation?

Every dementia journey looks different. It completely depends on the needs of the participant and their living situations. These examples may help you get an idea about which one fits you the best.

The NDIS often suits you if you: 

• Started noticing memory changes after turning 65
• Need help with daily tasks so you can keep living at home
• Want regular respite for your partner or family carer
• May need residential care with dementia support in the future

The need for both systems keeps growing as more people receive a dementia diagnosis each year. According to the

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Dementia in Australia report, the number of people diagnosed with dementia in Australia is around 439,000 in 2025. 

Questions to ask yourself and your family 

Talk these questions through together with the family. Honest answers now can make the next steps much smoother and clearer. Always go in with clarity and understanding. 

• How old was the person when the symptoms started? 
• What tasks have become harder over the past year? 
• Who provides most of the care right now, and how are they coping? 
• Does the person want to stay at home for as long as possible? 
• Which activities, people and routines matter most to them? 
• What would help everyone feel safe, day and night? 

Write the answers down and share them with your planner or assessor to get an idea of what supports you need.

How to apply for support 

The steps differ a little for each system. Here's the usual ways for both programs. 

For the NDIS: 

• Check you're eligible. Make sure you're under 65 and meet the residency rules. 
• Gather evidence. Ask your GP, neurologist or geriatrician for reports that explain the diagnosis and how it affects daily life. 
• Submit an access request. Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or ask your Local Area Coordinator for help.
• Plan your supports. If the NDIA approves your request, you'll meet with a planner to build your plan.

For My Aged Care:

1. Get in touch. Call 1800 200 422 or apply online through the My Aged Care website.
2. Book your assessment. An assessor visits to talk about your needs and goals.
3. Get your approval. You'll receive a letter that confirms which services you can access
4. Choose a provider. Pick a provider you trust who understands dementia care. 

Finding support that feels right 

A dementia diagnosis brings a lot of change for you and your loved ones, and it's normal to feel unsure about what comes next. The right funding system gives you a strong foundation to start your journey. Once you find that, the right team makes all the 

difference. 

Keep these points in mind as you decide: 

• Age decides which system you can join, so check it first.
• Your needs will change, and your support can change with them.
• Carers deserve support too, so ask about respite early.

At V Care Assisted Living Australia, we take the time to understand each person's story before we plan their care.

For dementia support, our team carefully listens to you and your family to fully grasp your needs, then creates a tailored plan based on that understanding. We assist you in clarifying your choices and establishing a supportive plan for the life you desire. 

Not sure where to start? 

Book a consultation with the V Care Assisted Living team. We'll answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.