Answering a question from TikTok

"Let's get real lady, if you don't have money like they do, you end up in a nursing home, you're delusional"

Hi there,

I hear you. Certainly, the journey through ageing and dementia (and perhaps, one could even argue, life) is often made easier when we have access to the financial resources we need. In the context of caring for a loved one with dementia, specifically, having the money to pay for formal or professional care at home (or to pay for residential aged care or a ‘nursing home’ of one’s choosing) is a phenomenal gift - for both the person living with dementia and those who love and care for them. (And we could have a whole, other conversation re. funding of aged and dementia care).

Having said that, I also know that we can still support a person living with dementia to experience joy and meaning, in spite of our financial resources. And in spite of whether they live in a residential aged care home. Many of my patients have found that it’s the little things (which, in truth, are often the big things) that make a difference - spending time with family and friends, having a favourite meal, listening to music, walking in nature, and so on, that can promote a sense of wellbeing and create a fullness to life; even if these moments are fleeting. It’s really about enabling a person living with dementia to keep connecting with the people and activities that matter to them.

I don’t mean to at all minimise the hardships of caring for someone who is living with dementia. It can be devastatingly difficult… I do, however, know that those living with dementia can still live a meaningful life, in spite of this disease.

Melissa Levi
Clinical Psychologist
Older People's Mental Health & Dementia
Instagram/TikTok: @talking_ageing

Let's navigate the ageing journey with confidence

Hi, I'm Melissa Levi, a Clinical Psychologist and Author specialising in Older People's Mental Health and Dementia. With over a decade of experience at one of Australia's leading hospitals, I have helped more than a thousand older people and their families, and I have come to know that while every family's story is unique, we all share the same fears and questions about ageing. 

While ageing is inevitable, our journeys through later life don't have to be. I believe that with the right education and planning we can all navigate later life with confidence and grace.

I am committed to empowering every family to have the big conversations, take control of their ageing journeys, eliminate fear and uncertainty, plan for the future, and experience greater meaning, joy and connection.

I’ve come to know that while every family’s story is unique, we all share the same fears and questions about ageing.

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