Did you know that just a few days of respite care can help family caregivers feel more rested, less stressed, and more connected to the people they’re caring for?

In this episode of Voices in DREAM Sharon shares her personal story of caring for her mum, Janet, who lived with vascular dementia. From the early signs and diagnosis to discovering respite care and the real impact it had on both their lives. This episode dives deep into how taking a break can truly make a difference.

Tune in to hear about:

• The challenges Sharon faced as a carer
• How she found and accessed respite care
• The surprising ways respite helped both her and her mum
• Advice for carers who feel guilty about taking time off

If you’re caring for someone or supporting a carer, this episode is for you.

Did you know that thoughtfully designed environments can reduce anxiety, improve safety, and support independence for people living with dementia - especially in short-term respite care settings.

In today’s episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi welcomes Bridgette, an advocate for dementia friendly environmental design. Bridgette shares practical insights on how small but meaningful environmental changes in respite care can create calm, connection, and dignity for residents living with dementia.

In today’s episode Bridgette and Yashi talk about:

• What makes a dementia-friendly environment in respite and residential care
• How the environment impacts residents’ mood, orientation, and safety
• The important role of support workers in shaping and keeping dementia-friendly spaces
• Practical tips for small changes that make a big difference
• Emphasis on creating calm, consistent, and familiar surroundings
• Reflection on how environmental design complements compassionate care

Did you know that support workers play a key role not just in providing care, but in helping residents living with dementia stay socially connected through shared activities. With the right support, these moments of connection can boost confidence, reduce isolation, and bring real joy to daily life.

Listen now to John’s inspiring story, full of practical ideas and activities you can use or encourage in your aged care setting to help residents connect with others living with dementia. Hear firsthand what it’s like to live in a supportive community and take part in meaningful activities alongside residents and their partners.

In our final episode with John, he provides:

· Insight into the role of support workers, from his perspective

· His experience of care and community support

· Thoughts on the importance of person-centred care and teamwork in dementia support

· Tips on overcoming challenges with empathy and communication

· The impact of positive, joyful environments on wellbeing

Listen now for insights on how care staff empower residents every day.

Did you know that support workers are often the quiet heroes behind positive dementia care, helping residents feel safe, understood, and truly connected to their community.

In today’s episode of Voices in DREAM, we meet Sarah, a passionate and experienced support worker who plays a vital role in both respite and residential dementia care. From tailored activities to team collaboration and deep empathy, Sarah brings heart and purpose to everything she does.

Sarah shares how understanding each resident as an individual helps build trust, comfort, and joy. You’ll hear how teamwork, communication, and small daily actions can make a big difference to wellbeing both for those living with dementia and the staff supporting them.

In this episode, Sarah and Yashi discuss:
• Sarah's role and passion for dementia care
• Why personalised care matters in dementia settings
• How teamwork supports residents and families
• The importance of social connections and meaningful engagement
• Practical tips for support workers: empathy, observation, and patience
• How support workers create a sense of belonging and purpose

Did you know that meaningful activities and social connections are essential for people living with dementia. They help support independence, boost mood, and reduce feelings of isolation. Support workers play a crucial role in creating these opportunities every day.

Yashi speaks with John again today, and continues his inspiring story full of practical ideas and activities you can use in your aged care setting to help residents connect with their fellow residents living with dementia. Hear firsthand what it’s like to live in a supportive community and take part in meaningful activities alongside people living with dementia and their family.

In this episode you will:

· Discover the types of activities residents enjoy and how these support people living with dementia.

· Learn about the vital role support workers play in organising and encouraging participation in activities.

· Explore practical tips for fostering social connection between residents.

· Understand why social connection is key to wellbeing and happiness.

· Hear some tips for support workers and family members on enhancing engagement and connection.

· Reflect on ways to foster meaningful activities in your own care setting this week.

Did you know that community respite care is essential for supporting the wellbeing of people living with dementia by helping them stay connected, engaged, and comfortable during short stays away from home?

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Emmanuel, an experienced support worker in community respite, shares practical insights on providing effective dementia support. He discusses what quality community respite care looks like, how support workers can better assist people living with dementia, and the value of strong support networks within the aged care workforce.

Tune in to learn about:

· What community respite care really means and why it matters

· How support workers can enhance care for people living with dementia during respite

· The role of support workers’ networks in improving respite care quality

· Key considerations for caring during respite periods

If you’re a support worker, caregiver, or community member committed to compassionate dementia care, including during respite stay, this episode is for you.

Did you know that many residents living independently in retirement communities actively support their neighbours with dementia? Building friendships, sharing knowledge, and creating joyful connections every day.

Listen now to John’s inspiring story, full of practical ideas and activities you can use or encourage in your aged care setting to help residents connect with others living with dementia. Hear firsthand what it’s like to live in a supportive community and take part in meaningful activities alongside residents and their partners.

Join Yashi and John as they continue their conversation about living and learning together in a supportive retirement community.

In this episode

• Meet John, a long-term resident of The Landings in Sydney, who has spent over a decade supporting neighbours living with dementia.
• Hear how John and a small group of residents deepened their understanding through the Wicking Dementia Centre education courses.
• Learn how his involvement in DREAM provided practical tools and confidence to support others.
• Discover how community programs and dementia-friendly initiatives foster health, engagement, and social connection.
• See how small acts of kindness and lifelong learning help build a caring, inclusive community.
• Be inspired by John’s insights and advice for supporting people living with dementia in retirement and aged care settings.

Did you know that meaningful activities aren’t just fun—they can bring comfort, confidence, and connection to people living with dementia, especially in respite care settings where time is short, but impact can be deep.

In today’s episode of Voices in DREAM, we’re joined by Sarah, an experienced support worker in respite care, who shares how activities play a vital role in creating joyful, person-centred experiences for residents. From teamwork with activity coordinators to creative, simple ways to build connection, Sarah talks about what really works in short-stay care. Her stories offer practical advice and heartfelt insight for support workers, families, and care teams alike.

In this episode, Yashi and Sarah discuss:
• Why activities matter, even during short stays
• Types of engaging and dementia-friendly activities
• How teamwork with activity coordinators enhances care
• The positive impact on mood, connection, and family trust
• Tips for tailoring activities in fast-paced care environments