Dementia Training Australia urges firms to create action plans

Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has called for Australian businesses and the community to develop comprehensive Dementia Action Plans as the country faces a significant increase in the number of people living with dementia. With projections suggesting that over 20% of Australians may have dementia by 2034, DTA underscores the importance of making dementia readiness a strategic priority for various sectors.

Dr. Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of DTA, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Just as companies have cyber security and risk management plans, a dementia strategy should be an essential part of business continuity planning. We're no longer just talking about healthcare. This is a reality for everything we do within our community."

Meyer noted that Australian businesses and local councils lag behind their European counterparts in creating dementia-friendly communities. She outlined that such plans should include training for staff to respond to challenging situations, environmental modifications like contrasting seat colours, and building designs that facilitate comfortable ageing at home. "It's about proactive, cost-effective measures that can significantly improve the quality of life for those with dementia," she added. "With small changes, we can help people live comfortably at home and reduce the need for early institutionalisation."

To support this initiative, DTA offers various training programs tailored for different sectors. These programs aim to provide organisations with a general understanding of dementia, insights into the experiences of those living with the condition, and guidance on how to respond and support individuals appropriately. Available training includes the Volunteers' Course, First Responders Training, Meaningful Spaces (a VR course), and sessions on Changed Behaviours. Additionally, DTA incorporates the Government's new Environment Design Principles and Guidelines into its curriculum.

DTA's online tool, Learning Pathways, helps organisations navigate available resources by searching for relevant keywords and offering a range of free courses. These courses are designed to be flexible, with durations ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, allowing participants to complete them in one sitting or in shorter segments.

Dr. Meyer emphasised the broad impact of dementia readiness across various industries, including financial services, hospitality, and tourism. "Financial institutions, in particular, need to be vigilant in recognising signs of cognitive decline in their clients. Staff must be aware of sudden changes in financial behaviour, such as unusually large withdrawals or uncharacteristic spending patterns. This awareness helps protect vulnerable clients while navigating complex considerations," she said.

In the hospitality and tourism sectors, the focus is on ensuring safe and inclusive experiences for guests with dementia. Hotels, cruise lines, and tourist attractions need to develop protocols to protect their well-being while providing an enjoyable experience for all patrons. Supermarkets, shopping centres, and public transport services are additional environments where staff may frequently encounter individuals living with dementia.

"If someone with dementia leaves without paying, staff are faced with a difficult position. Training to recognise confusion or distress is crucial. It's about managing delicate situations compassionately while protecting the business. Introductory courses on dementia-related behaviours can help staff handle these scenarios professionally, ensuring a positive customer experience," said Dr. Meyer.

Dr. Meyer also mentioned the potential of dementia strategies to become a key component of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments for ASX-listed companies. This shift indicates increasing recognition of the commercial and ethical implications of being dementia-ready. As part of Dementia Action Week, DTA is launching a comprehensive resource hub to aid organisations in creating robust Dementia Action Plans.

Dr. Meyer concluded, "We're having conversations with boards interested in what actions Australian businesses should take to support people living with dementia. From luxury retirement villages to banks, organisations realise that being dementia-ready is not just about social responsibility; it's about future-proofing their business."

Dementia Training Australia invites all organisations to explore its resources, training materials, and guidance on developing effective Dementia Action Plans during Dementia Action Week and beyond.