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
 

Did you know that many people living independently alongside friends with dementia find that they can play a role in creating a welcoming, connected community.

Over four episodes you will meet John, an inspiring 89-year-old resident of The Landings in Sydney who has turned community care into a way of life. After completing the Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia MOOCs, John now leads by example, creating connections and promoting dementia-friendly activities through LDK’s Supported Lifestyle Program. 

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 this episode John and Yashi talk about:

• Life in a shared community with people living with dementia
• John’s experience of engagement and supporting neighbours
• The vital role of support workers in daily life and activities
• Importance of social connections and meaningful activities for wellbeing
• Encouragement to foster community and inclusion

Did you know that in some cultures, dementia is seen as a spiritual issue, or that language barriers and stigma can delay diagnosis and support?

If you're an aged care worker, this episode is for you. Because understanding culture isn't just a "nice to have" it's essential to delivering safe, respectful, and person-centred dementia care. Join host Yashi and Phoebe, a Care Manager and Dementia Lead, as they unpack the cultural beliefs and barriers that aged care workers face daily and share practical tips to help you provide more respectful, person-centred, and culturally sensitive care. 

In this eye-opening episode of Voices in DREAM we explore how culture shapes the understanding of dementia and impacts the delivery of care in aged care settings, both in home care settings and residential care homes. Whether you’re a frontline care worker, nurse, or manager, this episode offers essential insights to help you better support older person from diverse backgrounds.

What if I told you that one word, just one, could either uplift or isolate someone living with dementia? The language we use shapes how we think and how others feel.

That one word could be: “Still”, “Yet”, “Stillness”, “enough” etc

One word used with care can change how we see, treat, and connect with someone living with dementia. Choosing uplifting, respectful, person-first language helps build a more compassionate, inclusive world.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, we explore how respectful, inclusive, and empowering language can reduce stigma and promote dignity for people living with dementia. Based on the Dementia Language Guidelines developed by Dementia Australia, this 10-minute episode is a must-listen for carers, professionals, advocates, and anyone who wants to better understand how to talk about dementia with compassion and clarity.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, we explore the reality that dementia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Join Yashi and Dementia Nurse Consultant Michelle Clarke as they break down the different types of dementia, how symptoms can vary, and why aged care workers need to tailor their communication and care to each individual.

Whether you're new to aged care or a seasoned professional, this episode offers practical insights to improve your confidence, compassion, and care approach.

What to Expect in this Episode:

• An overview of the main types of dementia commonly encountered in aged care
• How symptoms differ across various dementia types
• The impact of different symptoms on communication and behaviour
• Practical strategies for adapting care approaches to each dementia type
• The importance of person-centred care tailored to individual needs
• Insights from Michelle, an experienced dementia nurse consultant
• Tips to help aged care workers build empathy, confidence, and better connections

Are you supporting someone living with dementia in a respite care setting?

Whether you're new to the role or have years of experience, this episode is your go-to guide (or a helpful refresher) on the dementia basics that matter most in short-stay care.

Join your host Yashi as she walks you through:

·   Care strategies that make respite easier

·   Practical care tips tailored for respite care

·   Managing changing behaviours with calmness and empathy

·   Simple ways to support brain health in everyday routines

Listen now on wherever you get your podcasts and feel more confident supporting people living with dementia during their respite stay.

Resources & Links:

• Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help
• Dementia information for nurses and their patients | Dementia Australia
• About Wicking Dementia Centre - Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre | University of Tasmania
• Nationwide, 24-hour dementia carer support | Dementia Support Australia

Did you know that over 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia today?

If you supporting someone living with dementia — in a home, respite, or aged care setting, then this episode is your go-to introduction (or refresher!) on dementia. Join your host Yashi as she walks you through key aspects of dementia. Whether you're just starting out in aged care or have years of experience, this episode offers valuable knowledge to help you provide confident, compassionate support.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

·       What dementia is.

·       Common symptoms.

·       What treatment looks like.

·       And our care goals

Listen now on whatever podcast app you have and take the next step in your dementia care journey!

“If you are someone supporting people living with dementia at home, in the community or at a residential care facility and struggle to navigate changing behaviours, then you are not alone. And you don’t have to do it alone.”

This week on Voices in DREAM, we’re diving into the DREAM program a powerful, practical resource created to help aged care workers like you feel more confident and supported when supporting people living with dementia, especially in respite settings.

Join host Yashi and Dr. Kathleen Doherty from the Wicking Dementia Centre as they explore real stories, real learning, and the vision behind DREAM.

Episode summary
In this episode, Yashi and Dr. Kathleen Doherty discuss the challenges and opportunities of supporting people living with dementia and how education and mentoring can better equip carers.

·       Learn about the rising numbers of people living with dementia in Australia and the growing need for skilled support.

·       Discover the work of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, including how it empowers carers through accessible education.

·       Explore the DREAM Program, designed to build the confidence and capabilities of those supporting people living with dementia, especially during respite care.

·       Understand why respite care matters or both the person living with dementia and their caregivers.

·       Hear about the Equip Aged Care Learning initiative, which provides free, practical training to aged care workers across the country.

·       Get insight into the vision behind the Voices in DREAM podcast, why it was created, and who it’s for.

Listen now on wherever you get your podcasts from.

Introducing “Voices in DREAM (Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring)” - supporting you to support people living with dementia.

Are you an aged care worker supporting people with dementia during permanent or respite care? Then welcome to Voices in DREAM - connecting you to the aged care workforce to support you to support people living with dementia. This podcast is for you.

Each episode, we share practical tips, real stories, and compassionate strategies to help you provide person-centred and culturally safe care that truly makes a difference.

I'm Yashi (BNurs(Hons), MNursPrac, PhD in Dementia Studies), your host. I'm a registered nurse, dementia researcher, and Academic Learning and Development Officer at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. I've worked in aged care, hospitals, and research, always with a focus on improving the care we deliver. This podcast is also a chance for me to learn from our guests and you and apply those insights in my academia and nursing practice.

This podcast connects voices from across the aged care workforce, including support workers, nurses, families, and dementia coaches, to share experiences and advice for delivering the best care possible.

Throughout the series, you’ll hear from a diverse range of voices, including:

·       Nurses and support workers from community and aged care settings

·       Dementia experts, coaches, and educators

·       A resident with lived experience of living alongside people with dementia

·       Real stories from the frontline of respite and aged care

Each episode is packed with: 

·       Practical care tips you can use right away

·       Culturally safe, compassionate care strategies

·       Tools to help you navigate changing behaviours

·       Real-life scenarios to help you unpack challenges

·       Insights into the DREAM program, designed to support aged care workers, especially during respite care

Whether you’re a carer, health worker, or someone passionate about dementia care, this podcast is here to support you in making a meaningful difference.

Don't forget to subscribe, follow the Wicking Dementia Centre on social media, and send in your questions. Together, we’ll learn and improve dementia care one story at a time.