Australia unveils $5.2m upskilling programme for dementia respite care

The government aims to train 5,200 workers under the DREAM projected by the end of the financial year 2026.

Australia has launched a $5.2m (A$8m) education programme to boost aged care workers’ capability for dementia-specific respite care. 

Developed by the Wicking Dementia Centre at the University of Tasmania, in collaboration with Dementia Support Australia, the Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) project will be supported in practice by a team of coaches and an online community.

Moreover, the initiative will be free for workers and organisations providing dementia respite care in community and residential settings, including regional, rural, and remote areas. 

According to the government, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that Australians wanted more access to specialised care for people with the condition.

In line with this, the DREAM project aims to deliver education, training and mentorship to 5,200 workers by the end of the financial year 2026.

A$1 = $0.65