$8M DREAM project transforms dementia care training
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The Australian Government has unveiled an $8 million project to improve dementia respite care.
The Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) Project, developed by the Wicking Dementia Centre at the University of Tasmania in partnership with Dementia Support Australia, offers free training to aged care workers across the country.
With over 400,000 Australians living with dementia, the need for specialised care has never been more pressing. The DREAM Project seeks to address this by providing comprehensive education and mentorship to 5,200 respite workers by the end of the 2026 financial year.
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, emphasised the government’s commitment to improving dementia care: “Fully funded by the Albanese Government, the DREAM Project delivers on our commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. By empowering aged care workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are taking a significant step towards providing person-centred care that truly makes a difference.”
The program aims to enhance the quality of life for both dementia patients and their caregivers. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, a former nurse herself, noted, “Supporting a loved one living with dementia is both rewarding and challenging. This announcement will make a big difference to not only the lives of people living with dementia, but also their families and carers.”
Distinguished Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, highlighted the project’s focus on person-centered care: “We have worked closely with those involved in respite care and Dementia Support Australia to identify the key learning and support needs of the respite sector. Together we have developed a suite of education to improve knowledge of dementia, plan for a successful respite experience, understand the importance of knowing the person living with dementia, build relationships and communication, and navigate behaviour in respite care.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
