Boosting the quality of dementia care
Support your workforce and those living with dementia through DREAM.
Quality is a word that’s part of many conversations about aged care in Australia.
Older people, and their supporters, are expecting high standards of care, including for those living with dementia.
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is pleased to see that the importance of quality person centred care for people living with dementia features prominently in the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Now is the time to engage your workforce in dementia education to support them to support people living with dementia.
DREAM (Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring) offers a suite of education that aims to boost the capability of the aged care workforce to deliver quality dementia care.
DREAM is a partnership between the Wicking Centre at the University of Tasmania and Dementia Support Australia and is free to access (funded by the Australian Government).
“We like to think that DREAM offers an ecosystem of education,” said the Wicking Centre’s Dr Kathleen Doherty, DREAM Program Lead.
“Not only are there five short, tailored, online education modules, but also an online network, much like a community of practice, and coaching that is delivered in-person or virtually, anywhere around Australia.”
The education modules cover topics such as unpacking dementia, navigating behaviours, knowing the person, relationships and communication and planning for success.
Aged care providers around the country – in residential and community settings – are taking advantage of what DREAM has to offer, and the team at the Wicking Centre has received plenty of positive feedback.
“Very good at helping us to understand the issues that dementia causes and how we react to them,” one participant noted.
“The (coaching) session was wonderful and I acquired a lot of knowledge and skills for working with the residents experiencing dementia,” said another.
“All care staff should go through this course before starting on the floor,” responded one care worker.
DREAM coaching gives staff the space to come together and collaborate, to build their confidence around dementia care and to feel empowered to share their knowledge with colleagues.
While DREAM was developed with the dementia respite workforce in mind, it is relevant to anyone who works with people living with dementia.
And that’s not just direct care staff. People working in allied health, administration, management, catering and maintenance are encouraged to enrol in DREAM.
“One of the great things about DREAM is that it’s accessible anytime, from any device,” Dr Doherty explained.
“We really wanted to create education that was flexible, suitable for busy schedules and would encourage changes to be made to daily care routines that make a positive difference for people living with dementia.”
A brand-new podcast called Voices in DREAM provides another way for the dementia care workforce to keep up to date with the latest in dementia care.
Hosted by Yashi, a registered nurse with experience in aged care, Voices in DREAM shares practical tips, real stories, and compassionate strategies to help care workers provide person-centred, culturally safe care that truly makes a difference.
“The podcast is a fantastic addition to DREAM,” said Dr Doherty.
“The episodes are shorter than most podcasts, making them perfect for listening to on a commute to work, or during a break.”
Voices in DREAM is available through the DREAM portal and wherever you find your podcasts.
“Everything DREAM offers is about making the work of aged care staff easier, and boosting the quality of dementia care, through evidence-based education.”
DREAM participants who finish the education modules and associated quizzes can download a certificate, which lists CPD hours.
