Voices in DREAM
Supporting you to support people living with dementia
Are you a frontline worker in dementia care or passionate about improving aged care? Join us for Voices in DREAM — supporting you to support people living with dementia. Voices in DREAM is a new podcast that shares honest stories, practical tips, and culturally responsive care strategies from people in the field in respite, permanent residential, and home care settings.
Hear from support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, and dementia support coaches who know what it’s really like to support and care for people living with dementia, especially in a respite setting.
Listen to our stories and subscribe now for inspiration, advice, and community support to help you deliver the best possible care—one story at a time.
DREAM (Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring) aims to boost the capability of the aged care workforce to deliver quality dementia care. Through a dedicated portal, DREAM provides free access to education, a dynamic network and coaching tailored to individual and organisational needs: https://dream.utas.edu.au/
DREAM is funded by the Australian Government and is free to access.
Episodes
32 episodes
The role of research and community in improving dementia care
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 V...
Volunteering in aged care: the experience, how education helps and benefits that go both ways
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...
Australia’s National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034: What it is and why it matters?
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 p...
Providing LGBTQ+ inclusive dementia care: What it takes and why it’s important
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 th...
Outdoors and green spaces: Nature as therapy
Did you know that access to nature isn’t just nice to have but is vital for all people, especially for those living with dementia? Nature can reduce agitation, improve mood, and encourage movement. In this episode, Dr Pauline...
Palliative care and dementia: Understanding the connection and supporting families through tough decisions
Did you know palliative care isn’t just for the final days of life? For people living with dementia, it plays a vital role throughout the condition, supporting comfort, dignity, communication, and quality of life.In this episode of V...
Walking together: Dementia and palliative care pathways
Did you know that many families don’t realise when palliative care begins for a loved one with dementia? Yet early, compassionate conversations can bring comfort, clarity, and peace to everyone involved.In this episode, Yashi, and Tiffan...
Color and contrast: Designing with the eye in mind
Did you know that color and contrast can make or break how safe and welcoming a care environment feels? For people with dementia, high-contrast design supports depth perception, safety, and orientation. In this episode, Dr Sun and ...
Supporting people living with dementia during respite in a residential care home, Annie’s story.
Did you know that tailored care approaches in residential care homes can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with dementia? When care teams understand their unique needs and preferences, residents feel safer, more engage...
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The power of personal spaces: Designing rooms that feel like home
Did you know that a residential care home doesn’t have to feel institutional? Personal touches, familiar objects, and warm design can be used to transform rooms into comforting spaces that support memory and dignity. In this episod...
Music therapy in dementia care: unlocking memory, emotion, and connection
Did you know that music has the power to awaken memories, reduce anxiety, and create meaningful moments for people living with dementia? Music therapy isn’t just entertainment; it’s a proven approach that improves well-being and strengthens rel...
Reablement: encouraging and maintaining independence
Did you know that supporting someone to do things for themselves instead of doing it for them can boost their confidence, maintain dignity, and improve their overall wellbeing? That’s the power of reablement.In this episode, Dr Claire...
Experience of first respite: Sharon and her mother’s story
What is it really like to access overnight respite care for the first time?In this heartfelt episode of Voices in DREAM, we sit down with Sharon to hear her and her mother’s powerful story of experiencing overnight respite care for the v...
Tips for support workers and carers supporting a person living with dementia in a respite setting: successful respite care
Did you know that successful respite care for people living with dementia relies just as much on how we support the carers and support workers as it does on the care itself? Empowered, well-informed carers can make all the difference in creatin...
Supporting each other in our workplace to provide the most effective care to someone coming for respite who is living with dementia.
Did you know that strong teamwork in aged care settings can lead to better outcomes for people living with dementia, especially during short-term respite stays? When staff support one another, care becomes more consistent, compassionate, and pe...
Respite care insights: Michelle’s expert takes on dementia care in short-term settings
Did you know that dementia care in respite settings requires a unique approach to help both the person living with dementia and their caregivers adjust, feel safe, and thrive during short stays? In this episode of Voices in DREAM, M...
Respite and rest: Sharon’s journey caring for her mum with dementia
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 stor...
Designing for dignity: How the environment shapes dementia care
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<...
The heart of care: Support workers making a difference
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 confide...
The heart of care: A support worker’s role in creating a positive dementia community
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 ...
Staying active and connected: The power of meaningful activities
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 op...
Supporting people living with dementia in community respite settings
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 DRE...
Living and learning together: A resident’s journey supporting dementia in a retirement village
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 t...
Bringing joy and purpose: How do activities enhance life for people living with dementia?
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...
Living well together: Life in a shared dementia community
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 Th...
