The Australian Government has launched an $8 million education program to boost the capability of aged care workers to deliver high quality, dementia-specific respite care.
Developed by the Wicking Dementia Centre at the University of Tasmania in partnership with Dementia Support Australia, the Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring Project - known as DREAM - is a new, first of its kind training program.
DREAM is leading the way when it comes to training in dementia respite care, that's nationally available, backed by research and evidence, and supported in practice by a team of coaches and an online community.
It will help enable people living with dementia to stay at home longer, and improve the quality of life and experience of respite care for people living with dementia and their carers.
Dementia has a major impact on individuals, families and communities across Australia, and is a significant and growing health issue.
With over 400,000 Australians living with dementia, having access to quality dementia respite care provides valuable opportunities to connect with others and participate in experiences that can improve their wellbeing.
DREAM will help the aged care workforce to understand the challenges of dementia respite care, and what they can do to support people accessing quality care.
DREAM is free for workers and organisations providing dementia respite care in community and residential settings, including in regional, rural and remote areas.
By the end of the 2026 financial year, DREAM aims to deliver education, training, and mentorship to 5,200 respite workers.
Aged care workers and organisations can now sign up to DREAM at https://dream.utas.edu.au/
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that Australians want more access to specialised care for people living with dementia. DREAM is an important part of the government's commitment to delivering on the commission's recommendations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells
"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.
"We want to see older people in our communities living well. This means having the care and support they deserve from staff with the right skills, and being able to do the things they enjoy in the company of others with a similar lived experience."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney
"As a former nurse, I'm a big believer in equipping our nation's nurses with the tools and knowledge to deliver the best quality care. The DREAM project is going to go a long way to enhance the dementia-specific respite care of our nursing workforce.
"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.
Quotes attributable to Distinguished Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
"This funding will allow us to increase the skills and capability of staff working in respite care to provide person-centred care and improve the respite care experience for those accessing it."
"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."
