Did you know that in December 2024 the Australian Government launched a 10-year National Dementia Action Plan? This isn’t just a policy document, it’s a roadmap for improving diagnosis, care, support, research, and community understanding for people living with dementia and their carers.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi sits down with Distinguished Professor Emeritus James Vickers, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, to unpack what’s new, why it’s so important, and how it could change the landscape of dementia care in Australia.

Tune in to learn about:

• The purpose and vision of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034
• The 8 high-level actions in the Plan and what they mean in practice
• How the Plan addresses stigma, equity, and human rights
• The role of workforce development and building capability in care services
• How research and data will drive innovation and better policy
• What it means for people living with dementia, their families, and carers
• How progress will be measured over the next decade

If you work in aged care, health, research, or support someone with dementia, this episode matters.

Did you know that LGBTQ+ inclusive care isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a vital part of effective dementia services? Providing care that is affirming and respectful of sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, and understand and meets the needs of each person, improves comfort, trust, emotional wellbeing, and care outcomes for people living with dementia and their families.

In this episode Pauline Crameri, coordinator of Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care, and Yashi explore what inclusive LGBTQ+ dementia care might look like. They discuss a range of aspects that may be experienced by LGBTQ+ people living with dementia and why understanding identity, history, lived experiences, and cultural safety makes a difference and how care providers can best support LGBTQ+ Australians living with dementia.

Tune in to learn about:

· The key components of LGBTQ+ inclusive dementia care

· Why identity, respect, and psychological safety matter in aged care settings

· Common challenges LGBTQ+ older people face when accessing care

· Strategies to build trust and create safe, welcoming environments

· Practical tips for support workers and care teams

· How inclusive care benefits individuals, families, and the broader community

If you work in aged care or support an LGBTQ+ older person, this episode is a must-listen.

Suggested reading: Protecting the dignity of older LGBTQ+ Australians, Australian Ageing Agenda. We Are Still Gay: An evidence-based resource exploring the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Australians living with dementia (also available in the DREAM Resource Library)

Did you know that access to nature isn’t just nice to have but is vital for all people, especially for those living with dementia? Nature can reduce agitation, improve mood, and encourage movement.

In this episode, Dr Pauline Marsh, Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies, and Yashi discuss how outdoor design can creates therapeutic, dementia-friendly spaces.

Tune in to learn about

· The healing benefits of nature for people with dementia

· Features of outdoor environments that have therapeutic impact for people living with dementia

· Designing safe and accessible outdoor spaces

· Encouraging activity and social connection outdoors

· Cultural and seasonal considerations in outdoor design

If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.

Here you can find links to training, and general information about the Venture Out Living lab and Nature Hubs project.

https://ventureout.dementia.utas.edu.au/

Recruiting people living in Tasmania for our research! If you live with dementia, or are a care-partner, and you love being in nature please get in touch: Venture.Out@utas.edu.au

If you have a story to tell about connecting to nature, you might like to contribute to our sister project, the Nature Connection Storytelling Project: https://thenatureconnectionproject.com.au/

Did you know palliative care isn’t just for the final days of life? For people living with dementia, it plays a vital role throughout the condition, supporting comfort, dignity, communication, and quality of life.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi and Tiffany, an experienced nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care are closely connected. We discuss when decision-making becomes difficult, how families cope when their loved one loses capacity, and the emotional stress and guilt that come with tough choices. We also look at how the aged care workforce can support families, guide conversations, and ensure care stays focused on what matters most to the person.

Tune in to learn about:

• What palliative care really means in the context of dementia
• Why dementia is recognised as a life-limiting condition
• The emotional experience of families when making difficult decisions
• How care teams can support families through grief, guilt, and uncertainty
• Why early conversations create better outcomes for everyone

If you work in aged care or support someone living with dementia, this episode is a must-listen.

Did you know that many families don’t realise when palliative care begins for a loved one with dementia? Yet early, compassionate conversations can bring comfort, clarity, and peace to everyone involved.

In this episode, Yashi, and Tiffany, an experienced Nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care pathways connect, and how aged care workers, nurses, and support staff can better guide families through this emotional stage.

Tune in to learn about:

• How dementia progresses over time and why palliative care is an important part of supporting people living with dementia and their families.
• How and when to start conversations about palliative care in dementia, including ways to approach these discussions with sensitivity and clarity.
• The role of empathy, honest communication, and shared understanding in helping families navigate difficult decisions and future care planning.
• How a palliative approach can support dignity, comfort, and meaningful connection throughout the different stages of dementia.

Whether you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this heartfelt conversation offers warmth, understanding, and practical guidance.

Did you know that color and contrast can make or break how safe and welcoming a care environment feels? For people with dementia, high-contrast design supports depth perception, safety, and orientation.

In this episode, Dr Sun and Yashi explore how the thoughtful use of colour can transform dementia care spaces.

Tune in to learn about

· Why contrast matters for people living with dementia

· Using colors to signal safety, comfort, and familiarity

· Practical examples from real care homes

· How small design tweaks can reduce falls and anxiety

If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.

Dr Joanna Sun is an environmental gerontologist and lecturer at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. She leads the DESIGN Project (Design and Dementia Global Knowledge Translation) and has over two decades of experience in design and dementia care across Singapore and Australia. Her work focuses on creating enabling, inclusive environments and understanding how culture, policy, and the built and natural environment shape dementia care. Dr Sun co-developed the Singapore Environmental Assessment Tool (SEAT), contributes to the global Dignity Manifesto of Design, and was recognised as a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.

Did you know that tailored care approaches in residential care homes can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with dementia? When care teams understand their unique needs and preferences, residents feel safer, more engaged, and more respected.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Annie shares her experience of working in dementia respite care. She talks about how she builds therapeutic relationships with people living with dementia and their families, and what has worked for her in practice.

Please note that every person receiving respite care and type of services or care provided by every organisation is different. Services have their own policies and ways of working, so approaches to care can vary. The strategies shared in this episode reflect Annie’s experience.

Tune in to hear about:

· How Annie builds trust and relationships in respite care

· Communication approaches that support understanding

· Supporting meaningful engagement and connection

· Providing person-centred care that respects individual needs and preferences

This episode highlights how strong relationships and good communication can support positive experiences in respite care.

Did you know that a residential care home doesn’t have to feel institutional? Personal touches, familiar objects, and warm design can be used to transform rooms into comforting spaces that support memory and dignity.

In this episode, Dr Jo Sun and Yashi discuss the importance of creating personalised, familiar, and dementia-friendly spaces in aged care facilities.

Tune in to learn about:

· Why personalisation reduces anxiety and supports memory

· Simple, affordable changes families and teams can make

· Balancing safety with familiarity in design

· How personal spaces strengthen identity and belonging

Dr Joanna Sun is an environmental gerontologist and lecturer at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. She leads the Design and Dementia Global Knowledge Translation (DESIGN) Project and has over two decades of experience across Singapore and Australia in design, aged care, and dementia care. Her work focuses on enabling environments, cultural influences in dementia care, and knowledge translation. Dr Sun co-developed the Singapore Environmental Assessment Tool (SEAT) and contributes to the global Dignity Manifesto of Design for people living with dementia. In 2024, she was recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.

If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.