In today’s episode, Penny, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, and Yashi discuss a scenario where an older person living with dementia loses interest in long-loved activities.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· What the older person might be trying to communicate through a loss of interest in familiar activities.

· Encouraging engagement in new activities while respecting past preferences and identity.

· Strategies to gently introduce meaningful and enjoyable new activities.

· Observing and documenting responses to activities to inform future care planning.

· How your attitudes and flexibility as a support worker affect the resident’s willingness to participate.

In today’s episode, Abbey, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, talks with Yashi about three ways to navigate and address changing behaviours in people living with dementia.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· Strategies that are most effective in supporting older people through changing behaviours and why.

· Adapting approaches to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person.

· The role of observation, empathy, and communication in successfully addressing behavioural changes.

· Collaborating with the care team and family to ensure consistency in responses.

Strengthening self-awareness and personal skills to remain patient and effective

In today’s episode, Inge-Marie, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, talks with Yashi about a scenario where an older person living with dementia suddenly stops eating meals after previously eating well.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· Physical, emotional, or environmental factors that might contribute to the older person’s sudden loss of appetite.

· Responding calmly and supportively to encourage eating without causing pressure or distress.

· Alternative approaches or foods to make mealtimes more appealing and comfortable.

· Observing and documenting changes in eating habits to share with the care team for consistent support.

· How your own reactions or mealtime routines might affect the older person's willingness to eat.

In today’s episode, Julie, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, talks with Yashi about a scenario where an older person living with dementia is frequently walking or pacing.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· What the older person might be trying to communicate through constant walking or pacing.

· Ensuring the older person's safety while respecting their need to move.

· Environmental or routine adjustments to reduce restlessness or agitation.

· Using observation and gentle engagement to identify potential triggers for pacing.

· Strategies to share with the care team and family for consistent support.

In today’s episode, Inge-Marie, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, talks with Yashi about a scenario where an older person living with dementia suddenly becomes tearful or angry without a clear cause.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· Possible underlying feelings or unmet needs being expressed through sudden tears or anger.

· Remaining calm and supportive when faced with unexpected emotional outbursts.

· Immediate steps to comfort the resident while ensuring safety and dignity.

· The role of environmental factors, communication, or physical discomfort in triggering behaviour.

· What to document and share with the team to provide consistent support.

In today’s episode, Julie, one of our past DREAM Dementia Support Coaches, talks with Yashi about a scenario where a usually easy-going older person living with dementia begins showing subtle signs of confusion and agitation.

This episode is part of our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share practical strategies to help caregivers respond with confidence and compassion.

Tune in as they discuss

· Approaching the older person with patience, empathy, and reassurance.

· Using short, clear communication and gentle redirection to reduce frustration.

· Knowing when and how to escalate concerns to a nurse or supervisor.

· Documenting behaviours, triggers, and responses accurately.

· Reflecting on your own emotions to remain calm and supportive.

Welcome to Season 2 of Voices in DREAM, where we explore real-life case scenarios involving changing behaviours in people living with dementia. Guided by experienced Dementia Support Coaches, this series offers practical strategies, reassurance, and compassionate support to help care providers navigate the challenges of dementia care with confidence and empathy.

Together with DREAM Coaches, we unpack behavioural shifts by identifying early signs, exploring practical and person-centred strategies, and sharing tools that promote patience, empathy, and resilience. Our goal is to offer insight and reassurance, supporting you to create moments of comfort, dignity, and connection for people living with dementia even in the face of change.

Welcome to DREAM coaching: Meet the team and learn how they can support you

In this introductory episode, Yashi is joined by Mary-Clare, the Team Leader of the Dementia Support Coaches, to introduce DREAM Coaching. Mary-Clare explains the role of Coaches, the support and services available, and how you can access coaching through the DREAM portal.

Tune in to learn about

· Who the Dementia Support Coaches are and how they support people living with dementia

· Mary-Clare’s role in leading and guiding the coaching team

· Services available through DREAM Coaching

· How to navigate the DREAM portal and request a coach

· When coaching support may be helpful

Please note, demand for DREAM coaching is currently high, so there may be a delay between submitting a request and a coach being onsite.

Did you know that every piece of progress we make in dementia care, from understanding risk factors to improving support for families, is shaped by research, and often by people living with dementia and the community?

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi speaks with Distinguished Professor Emeritus James Vickers, recent past Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (2018-2025), about how research and community participation improves dementia care and outcomes.

Tune in to learn about:

· Why dementia research matters

· The type of research going on at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre

· How community involvement shapes knowledge and care

· How research translates into better, person-centred dementia support

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