The Dementia ‘Journey’ Legacy of Trauma and what to do about it – National Seniors submission to the Royal Commission

Summary: The document highlights the commitment of government, providers, and the community to improve dementia care in Australia. It points out the challenges and frustrations faced by carers in managing dementia care, including issues with training, medication management, and communication with healthcare providers. The decision to move a loved one into residential aged care is difficult due to concerns about the quality of care. The environment for dementia residents in aged care facilities is not always enriching. There is a need for better training and support for aged care workers to align with the needs of elderly clients. The concept of a Skills Escalator is proposed to offer a variety of entry points and career progression opportunities in the aged care industry. Training should focus on understanding the dementia journey, enabling the person with dementia, and providing client-centered care. Access to training for informal carers should be promoted and made low cost or free to benefit both caregivers and care recipients.