Voices in DREAM

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. 

  1. Welcome to DREAM Coaching: Understanding the role of Dementia Support Coaches and how they can support you

    2d ago

    Welcome to DREAM Coaching: Understanding the role of Dementia Support Coaches and how they can support you

    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.

    9 min
  2. The role of research and community in improving dementia care

    May 18

    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 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.

    12 min
  3. Volunteering in aged care: the experience, how education helps and benefits that go both ways

    May 18 ·  Bonus

    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 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?

    16 min
  4. Australia’s National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034: What it is and why it matters?

    May 5

    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 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 2024-2034The 8 high-level actions in the Plan and what they mean in practiceHow the Plan addresses stigma, equity, and human rightsThe role of workforce development and building capability in care servicesHow research and data will drive innovation and better policyWhat it means for people living with dementia, their families, and carersHow progress will be measured over the next decadeIf you work in aged care, health, research, or support someone with dementia, this episode matters.

    12 min
  5. Providing LGBTQ+ inclusive dementia care: What it takes and why it’s important

    Apr 20

    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 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)

    17 min
  6. Outdoors and green spaces: Nature as therapy

    Apr 15

    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 Marsh, Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies, and Yashi discuss how outdoor design can creates therapeutic, dementia-friendly spaces.   Tune in to learn about ·         The healing benefits of nature for people with dementia  ·         Features of outdoor environments that have therapeutic impact for people living with dementia ·         Designing safe and accessible outdoor spaces  ·         Encouraging activity and social connection outdoors  ·         Cultural and seasonal considerations in outdoor design    If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.  Here you can find links to training, and general information about the Venture Out Living lab and Nature Hubs project.  https://ventureout.dementia.utas.edu.au/   Recruiting people living in Tasmania for our research! If you live with dementia, or are a care-partner, and you love being in nature please get in touch: Venture.Out@utas.edu.au If you have a story to tell about connecting to nature, you might like to contribute to our sister project, the Nature Connection Storytelling Project: https://thenatureconnectionproject.com.au/

    13 min
  7. Palliative care and dementia: Understanding the connection and supporting families through tough decisions

    Mar 30

    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 Voices in DREAM, Yashi and Tiffany, an experienced nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care are closely connected. We discuss when decision-making becomes difficult, how families cope when their loved one loses capacity, and the emotional stress and guilt that come with tough choices. We also look at how the aged care workforce can support families, guide conversations, and ensure care stays focused on what matters most to the person. Tune in to learn about: What palliative care really means in the context of dementiaWhy dementia is recognised as a life-limiting conditionThe emotional experience of families when making difficult decisionsHow care teams can support families through grief, guilt, and uncertaintyWhy early conversations create better outcomes for everyoneIf you work in aged care or support someone living with dementia, this episode is a must-listen.

    13 min
  8. Walking together: Dementia and palliative care pathways

    Mar 23

    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 Tiffany, an experienced Nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care pathways connect, and how aged care workers, nurses, and support staff can better guide families through this emotional stage. Tune in to learn about: How dementia progresses over time and why palliative care is an important part of supporting people living with dementia and their families.How and when to start conversations about palliative care in dementia, including ways to approach these discussions with sensitivity and clarity.The role of empathy, honest communication, and shared understanding in helping families navigate difficult decisions and future care planning.How a palliative approach can support dignity, comfort, and meaningful connection throughout the different stages of dementia.Whether you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this heartfelt conversation offers warmth, understanding, and practical guidance.

    14 min
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    DREAM
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Voices in DREAM
  • Show Website
    Voices in DREAM

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