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Dementia & Aged Care Assessment Service
A dementia and aged care assessment helps clarify changes in memory, mood, behaviour, and day-to-day functioning in later life. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our clinicians provide respectful, evidence-informed assessments for older adults experiencing cognitive decline, dementia concerns, or age-related emotional changes. The assessment supports individuals, families, GPs, and care providers to understand what is happening and plan appropriate next steps.
Our clinic in Gladesville supports individuals and families across Ryde, Hunters Hill, Drummoyne, Balmain, and Sydneyโs Inner West.
What We Help With
Concerns about memory decline, confusion, or cognitive changes
Difficulty managing daily tasks, routines, or planning
Changes in language, problem-solving, or reasoning abilities
Understanding the impact of ageing on thinking and functioning
Clarifying whether changes reflect dementia, mood, medical issues, or normal ageing
Supporting families in planning for safety, care, or independence
Identifying areas of preserved ability to support meaningful engagement
What’s Included
Comprehensive clinical interview (individual and/or family)
Dementia and cognitive screening (memory, attention, orientation, planning)
Emotional and behavioural screening
Functional and daily-living assessment
Collateral information from carers or services (where appropriate)
Differentiation between dementia, delirium, and mood-related changes where possible
Integrated interpretation of cognitive, emotional, and functional findings
Clear, structured written report
Feedback session with practical recommendations
Psychoeducation for individuals and families
What to Expect
Your assessment begins with a respectful discussion about current concerns, medical history, and observed changes. Depending on your needs, it may include cognitive tasks, questionnaires, and functional screening. With consent, family or carers may provide additional information.
After all information is collected, your psychologist interprets the results and arranges a feedback session. This session explains the findings in clear, accessible language and outlines practical recommendations, safety considerations, and next steps for support.
Benefits
Clarifies cognitive, emotional, and functional changes
Helps differentiate ageing, mood-related issues, delirium, and possible dementia
Identifies reversible or contributing factors
Provides a baseline for future monitoring
Supports informed planning for home, community, or aged-care services
Helps families and carers understand needs and reduce uncertainty
Provides practical strategies for routines, communication, and wellbeing
Why Choose iflow Psychology?
Located in Gladesville, supporting clients across Sydney and NSW
Clinicians experienced in cognitive, aged care, and mental health assessment
Respectful, person-centred approach for older adults and families
Clear, structured reports suitable for GPs, specialists, and service providers
Practical recommendations that support daily functioning, safety, and independence
In-person and telehealth options (where clinically appropriate)
Fees / Funding
Dementia and aged care assessments are privately billed as structured assessment packages. Medicare rebates generally do not apply to assessment components, although therapy sessions may attract rebates with a valid GP referral. Private health insurance rebates may be available depending on your policy. A full fee outline and inclusions are provided before you confirm your booking.
Payment plans may be available for eligible clients.
How to Access Support
Book a cognitive health assessment appointment for yourself or a family member.
Provide any relevant medical history, medication lists or previous cognitive evaluations.
Attend the clinical interview and cognitive screening session.
Your psychologist provides a written summary and guidance for care planning or further medical review.
We recommend contacting our support team to discuss your needs before booking. Psychological assessments are tailored to the individual and the purpose of the assessment, and speaking with our team helps ensure the assessment type is appropriate for your goals. Once we understand what is required, we can provide a clear outline of the recommended assessment process and an itemised quote. This ensures transparency around the scope of work, reporting requirements and associated fees.
Understanding Dementia and Age-Related Cognitive Changes
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition affecting memory, thinking, communication, and everyday functioning. Not all cognitive changes indicate dementia โ they may relate to stress, mood, medications, sleep, pain, or medical conditions. Assessment helps identify contributing factors and guide next steps.
Delirium vs Dementia
Delirium develops suddenly and often relates to medical issues such as infections or medication changes. It requires urgent medical review. Dementia develops gradually and progresses over time. Our assessment considers these differences and recommends medical follow-up where needed.
The Role of Mood in Cognitive Function
Depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties can impair concentration, memory, and problem-solving. These factors are assessed alongside cognitive performance to ensure a complete understanding of a personโs presentation.
Support for Families and Carers
Cognitive decline affects the whole family. Many carers experience stress, grief, and uncertainty. Assessment provides clarity, practical strategies, and guidance to help families plan and cope with confidence.
Finding iflow Psychology in Gladesville
iflow Psychology is located on Victoria Road in the heart of Gladesville, close to The Guitar Factory and easily accessible by public transport. Free and timed parking options are available in the surrounding streets, and major bus routes stop only a short walk from the clinic.
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We also offer secure telehealth appointments for employees across NSW.
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๐ Get directions on Google Maps — Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for the assessment?
Please bring:
๐ current medication list
๐ reading glasses or hearing devices
๐ relevant medical or specialist reports
๐ copies of prior assessments (if available)
Having a support person available is helpful where history needs clarification or decision-making support is required.
Are rebates available?
Medicare rebates may apply when referred under appropriate Mental Health or Chronic Disease arrangements.
Private health rebates may also apply depending on cover.
Funding eligibility is discussed during booking.
Is the assessment suitable for aged care residents?
Yes. Assessments can support:
โ facility placement decisions
โ behavioural support planning
โ care reviews
โ government documentation requirements
โ communication with multidisciplinary teams
Reports may assist with ACAT assessments and aged care transition planning.
Can family members attend?
In most cases, yes. Family involvement:
โ contributes relevant history
โ supports communication
โ assists planning
โ helps with decision-making
Where capacity is being formally assessed, part of the session may occur 1-to-1.
How long does the assessment take?
Assessment duration varies depending on complexity, but typically includes:
๐ 2โ3 hours of cognitive testing
๐ clinical interview
๐ follow-up feedback session
๐ time for report preparation
Appointment structure can be adapted to accommodate fatigue or health concerns.
Will I receive a report?
Yes. A formal report is provided outlining:
๐ assessment findings
๐ cognitive strengths and limitations
๐ relevant behavioural or emotional considerations
๐ recommendations
๐ suggested next steps in care
Reports are suitable for medical professionals, family meetings, aged care services, NDIS planning or legal settings.
Do you assess decision-making capacity?
Yes. Capacity assessments may be completed for:
โ enduring guardianship
โ financial and legal matters
โ consent for lifestyle or care decisions
โ medication or treatment consent
Capacity is evaluated through structured clinical interviewing, cognitive assessment, and functional reasoning tasks.
How is this different from a GP or hospital screening?
Psychological assessments provide a more detailed cognitive and emotional profile than routine screening. They help determine:
areas of retained strength
the stage or impact of cognitive decline
safety considerations
support needs
eligibility for programs or services
This aids planning, decision-making, and care transitions.
Do you diagnose dementia?
The assessment contributes to diagnostic clarification by identifying cognitive patterns consistent with neurocognitive impairment. Final diagnosis is usually made collaboratively with the GP, geriatrician, neurologist, or treating specialist.
What assessments may be used?
Depending on presentation, evaluation may include:
cognitive screening instruments
standardised neuropsychological-style tests
mood and wellbeing measures
decision-making capacity assessment tools
Test selection is based on concerns, functional needs, and medical context.
What does the assessment involve?
A typical assessment includes:
๐ clinical interview
๐ review of relevant history and medical information
๐ cognitive testing
๐ mood and behavioural screening
๐ capacity evaluation where relevant
๐ feedback session for findings and recommendations
A written report is provided to support ongoing care.
Who is this assessment suitable for?
This service supports individuals who may be experiencing:
โ changes in memory or concentration
โ difficulty with planning or decision-making
โ increased confusion or disorientation
โ changes in personality or behaviour
โ difficulty managing finances or daily tasks
โ a decline in independence
Assessments are often arranged by family, GPs, aged care providers or the individual themselves.
What is a dementia and aged care psychological assessment?
This assessment evaluates cognitive functioning, memory, decision-making capacity, mood, behaviour, and overall psychological wellbeing to support diagnosis, care planning, and quality of life in older adults.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If youโre noticing changes in memory, reasoning or day-to-day functioning for yourself or a family member, we are here to assist.
Book online or contact our support team to discuss the most appropriate assessment option and next steps.