Voices in DREAM

In today's episode, Jo, a Health Engagement Officer from Care2Serve and Carers Gateway speaks of her professional role supporting carers, as well as her own personal journey as a remote carer, supporting her stepmother caring for her dad who is living with dementia.  This episode acknowledges the fears, challenges, and support needs of carers, and those who support them.  Tune in as they disc...

In today’s episode, Emma, a Registered Nurse and Regional Manager with Dementia Support Australia, and Yashi discuss a scenario where an older person living with dementia who has never previously shown distress, begins hitting or shouting. This episode is the last in our navigating changing behaviours in people living with dementia series, where we dive into real-life behavioural shifts and share...

In today’s episode, Denise, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, and Yashi discuss a scenario where an older person living with dementia repeatedly says they want to go home. 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 compas...

In today’s episode, Denise, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, and Yashi discuss a scenario where an older person living with dementia repeatedly asks for their mother. 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...

In today’s episode, Penny, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, and Yashi discuss a scenario where an older person living with dementia loses interest in long-loved activities. 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 comp...

In today’s episode, Abbey, a DREAM Dementia Support Coach, talks with Yashi about three ways to navigate and address changing behaviours in people living with dementia. 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 compass...

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 stops eating meals after previously eating well. 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 respo...

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 compas...

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 respon...

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 strategi...

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 un...

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...

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...

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, Wickin...

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...

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 Marsh, Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies, and Yashi discuss how outdoor design can creates therapeutic, dementia-friendly spaces.   Tune in to learn about ·         The...

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 Voices in DREAM , Yashi and Tiffany, an experienced nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care are closely connected. We discuss whe...

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 Tiffany , an experienced Nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care pathways connect, and how aged care workers, nurses, and support...

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 Yashi explore how the thoughtful use of colour can transform dementia care spaces.  Tune in to learn about ·         Why contrast matters for people living with dement...

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 engaged, and more respected. In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Annie shares her experience of working in dementia respite care. She talks about how she builds t...

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 episode, Dr Jo Sun and Yashi discuss the importance of creating personalised, familiar, and dementia-friendly spaces in aged care facilities. Tune in to learn about:   ·   ...

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 relationships between individuals, families, and care providers. In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Dr. Brendan Lamb, a lecturer in Creative Arts and Health,...

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 O’Connor joins Yashi to explore how reablement supports older adults to maintain or regain their independence through meaningful, everyday tasks. Dr Claire O'C...

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 very first time. Sharon’s mum, who was living with dementia, faced uncertainty and vulnerability during this major transition. Sharon shares her emotional journey,...

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 creating a safe, calm, and enriching respite experience. In this episode of Voices in DREAM , we explore practical, person-centred strategies for both support work...