As Australia’s population continues to age, dementia has become a growing concern for families, caregivers, and the healthcare system. One of the tools gaining attention in the care of people with dementia is the dementia clock—a simple but powerful aid that helps reduce confusion and support independent living. But when it comes to accessing these tools through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), many families find themselves asking: Are dementia clocks covered under the NDIS?
If you’re exploring options to support a loved one living with dementia, understanding how the NDIS works and whether these helpful devices are included in its scope is crucial. This article breaks down what dementia clocks are, why they matter, how the NDIS functions, and whether it can help you obtain such supportive technologies. If you’re new to these clocks, you can learn more about their purpose and benefits through this detailed overview: Dementia Clock Australia.
What is a Dementia Clock?
A dementia clock is a specially designed clock that helps individuals with dementia easily understand the time, date, and sometimes even the part of the day (morning, afternoon, evening). These clocks are more than just timekeepers—they’re cognitive support devices.
Typical features may include:
- Large, easy-to-read digits
- Clear labels such as “Morning,” “Afternoon,” or “Night”
- Day and date displays
- Alarms or reminders for medication or appointments
Dementia can impair short-term memory and temporal orientation, meaning a person may not know whether it’s morning or night, what day it is, or whether they’ve already eaten. By reducing these everyday uncertainties, dementia clocks can provide reassurance, promote independence, and ease the burden on caregivers.
Why Dementia Clocks Matter
Dementia clocks may seem like simple tools, but their impact is significant. They address one of the most common and distressing symptoms of dementia—time disorientation.
Key Benefits:
- Reduced Anxiety: When individuals can’t distinguish between night and day, they may become agitated. A clear, readable clock helps ground them in reality.
- Improved Routine Adherence: Many dementia clocks include reminder functions, which assist users in keeping up with daily activities like eating, taking medication, or attending appointments.
- Enhanced Independence: Individuals feel more empowered when they can make decisions based on accurate time information.
- Support for Caregivers: A reliable dementia clock can reduce repetitive questions and increase peace of mind for those providing care.
The psychological comfort and cognitive reinforcement provided by these devices make them a low-cost but highly valuable addition to home-based dementia care.
Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s support system for individuals with significant and permanent disabilities. Managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), it provides eligible individuals with funding to access services and assistive technologies that improve their quality of life.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for NDIS support, an individual must:
- Be under 65 years of age at the time of application
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities
While dementia is typically associated with older adults, early-onset dementia—diagnosed before the age of 65—qualifies for NDIS support.
Categories of NDIS Support
NDIS funding is allocated under several categories:
- Core Supports: Daily activities, transport, consumables
- Capital Supports: Assistive technologies, equipment, home modifications
- Capacity Building Supports: Skills development, therapies, employment support
Dementia clocks usually fall under Capital Supports, specifically under Assistive Technology (AT).
What is Assistive Technology in the NDIS?
Assistive Technology refers to any device or system that enables people with disability to perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. This includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices—and dementia clocks.
The NDIS defines four levels of AT complexity:
- Low Risk/Low Cost (Level 1)
- Low Risk/High Cost (Level 2)
- High Risk/Low Cost (Level 3)
- High Risk/High Cost (Level 4)
Most dementia clocks fall into Level 1 or 2, as they are generally low risk and cost less than $1500.
Are Dementia Clocks Covered by the NDIS?
Yes—dementia clocks can be covered by the NDIS, but there are some conditions and steps involved.
Key Considerations:
- The participant must have dementia listed in their NDIS plan as a primary or secondary condition.
- The need for the dementia clock must be justified by showing how it relates to the person’s goals and supports functional independence.
- A supporting document may be required from a healthcare professional (e.g., an occupational therapist) to validate the necessity of the device.
NDIS planners and Local Area Coordinators (LACs) assess whether a requested assistive technology is “reasonable and necessary,” based on:
- Whether it supports the person’s disability needs
- Whether it provides value for money
- Whether it is effective and beneficial
How to Include a Dementia Clock in Your NDIS Plan
To get a dementia clock funded, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Need
During your planning meeting or review, mention issues like time confusion, anxiety due to disorientation, or missed medications—all of which can be addressed by a dementia clock.
2. Get Supporting Documentation
A letter or assessment from an occupational therapist or GP outlining how the clock will help with daily functioning can strengthen your case.
3. Request Funding Under Assistive Technology
Be specific in your request. Provide links to the product, describe its features, and explain how it meets your needs. If it’s under $1500, it typically falls under low-cost AT and may not require a full AT assessment.
4. Shop from Approved Providers
When you’re approved, purchase from an NDIS-recognised store. Here’s an excellent example: Assistive Technology NDIS Shop.
What If You’re Not Approved?
If your initial plan doesn’t include funding for a dementia clock, don’t lose hope. You can:
- Request a review of your NDIS plan
- Obtain a more detailed assessment or letter of support
- Speak to a Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator for guidance
It’s also worth checking if you can purchase a basic dementia clock using your Core Supports budget under “low-cost consumables,” depending on how your plan is structured.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dementia Clock
If you’re purchasing a dementia clock, either privately or through NDIS funding, here are some features to look for:
- Large Digital Display: Easily visible from across the room
- AM/PM or Time-of-Day Labels: “Morning,” “Afternoon,” “Evening”
- Day and Date: To help users track the passage of time
- Multiple Alarm Settings: For medication or appointments
- Battery Backup: So the clock resets properly after power cuts
- Easy Setup and Operation: Intuitive for both users and caregivers
Avoid overly complicated devices. Simplicity and clarity are the keys.
The Bigger Picture: Dementia Support through the NDIS
Dementia clocks are just one example of how assistive technology can be life-changing for someone living with cognitive decline. The NDIS plays a critical role in enabling access to these technologies—but navigating the system requires awareness, documentation, and persistence.
Other supports available through the NDIS for people with dementia may include:
- Home modifications
- Carer support and training
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Memory aids and reminders
- GPS tracking devices for safety
Final Thoughts
Dementia clocks may appear to be simple tools, but they offer meaningful support to individuals coping with cognitive impairment. They empower, inform, and provide comfort. Through the NDIS, many Australians under 65 with dementia can gain access to these aids—as long as the request is well-justified and aligns with their care goals.
If you or your loved one is living with early-onset dementia, speak to your NDIS planner or healthcare provider about incorporating a dementia clock into your support plan. It’s a small device with the potential for a big impact—helping restore not just a sense of time, but a sense of self.
