About DREAM

About DREAM

About DREAM

Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) is a national project that aims to boost the capability of the aged care workforce to deliver quality dementia respite care. Through a dedicated portal, DREAM provides free access to education, a dynamic Community of Practice and coaching tailored to individual and organisational needs.

DREAM is funded by the Australian Government.

What does DREAM include 

Education

DREAM education includes five modules specific to dementia respite care. Each module includes a short video, additional resources and a downloadable infographic which is perfect for printing and displaying. A certificate is available following completion of a short knowledge quiz.  

To learn more about each topic, click the images below:

In addition to the five dementia respite education modules, you will also have access to Equip Aged Care Learning Packages and the Understanding Dementia MOOC through the DREAM portal. These additional education offerings will assist with broadening your knowledge of the aged care sector and provide you with an in-depth understanding of how dementia can impact the person and their carers.  

This entire education package will provide you with the knowledge required to provide best practice dementia respite care.  

Community of Practice 

The DREAM Community of Practice is a dynamic, safe space, where the aged care workforce can share ideas, connect, access valuable resources, gain industry insights and learn about best practice dementia respite care. You can share past experiences and fresh perspectives on blogs and discussion posts, start a conversation or browse the extensive library of resources. There are member and practice spotlights to showcase the great work happening in dementia respite care and innovative models of respite. 

Information in the Community of Practice is situated within the Australian aged care context, so may not be relevant to those living overseas or working outside the aged care industry.  

Coaching 

DREAM coaching helps participants translate knowledge into action: bridging the divide between the learning and work environment. Nine dementia support coaches are available Australia wide and bring a peer-driven collaborative approach to dementia care. Based on your needs, your coach will work alongside you offering practical guidance and advice on a specific area, or they can design coaching sessions that incorporates a number of topics.

The DREAM coaches are available to travel to your workplace, assist you through virtual training, or a phone call.  Through coaching, you will gain skills and confidence to connect meaningfully with people living with dementia and their carers, ease transitions between settings, and work towards contemporary best practice in behaviour support. 

Coaching is available within Australia for those working or volunteering in dementia respite. 

Who is behind the DREAM Project

The DREAM Project is led by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre in collaboration with Dementia Support Australia. The Wicking Dementia Centre was established in 2008 and has a long history of excellence in online education, including Massive Open Online Courses, award courses such as the Diploma of Dementia Care and Master of Dementia Program, and the Equip Aged Care Learning package. 

Funded by the Australian Government and led by HammondCare, Dementia Support Australia brings together industry-wide expertise, builds sector capacity and creates partnerships for better dementia care around the country. DSA’s nationwide service recognises the individual experiences of people living with dementia and recommends the ideal service level for each person.


Why it’s important to deliver quality dementia respite care 

The effects of dementia can be challenging for both the person living with dementia and the people caring for them. Dementia respite care can give carers “time out” and a much-needed rest. These breaks allow carers to be re-energised for their caring role and helps them to continue to support the person they care for, for as long as possible, in their home or community. The person with dementia also gets the opportunity to build their social circle and their range of experiences.


How DREAM can help you or your organisation

DREAM is a free online platform, flexible to individual or organisational needs. Whether you are new to working in aged care or have many years of experience, an individual or a provider, DREAM is for you. This can include direct care staff and nursing staff but also people providing support services such as hospitality and maintenance staff, as well as management and volunteers.

  • Upskill yourself and your workforce with quality education designed for respite care.

  • Connect with the broader dementia respite community through the Community of Practice which spotlights dementia respite roles, shares innovative practice ideas, and celebrates delivery of quality dementia respite care. 

  • Book a coaching session where you can ask questions and get the support you need to provide empathetic, supportive, and enabling experiences for people living with dementia and their carers.



Sign up now