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.

What role do volunteers play in aged care in Australia? According to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, volunteers are an essential part of the aged care system, contributing to positive outcomes such as increases in health and wellness and social connectedness.

In this special episode of the Voices in DREAM podcast, recognising National Volunteer Week, volunteer Patricia shares her insights after a decade in the role working with older people, many who live with dementia. She shares her thoughts on:

· supporting people to live well in aged care

· providing familiarity and reassurance

· joining in activities

· the importance of education to support dementia care

· changing perceptions about the value of volunteers

If you're interested in volunteering in aged care, the Australian Government has information you can access here: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/volunteers?language=en

Find the Wicking Dementia Centre's free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) here: https://mooc.utas.edu.au/

DREAM is available through: https://dream.utas.edu.au/

What are you or your organisation doing to recognise National Volunteer Week?

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)