Dementia affects half of the residents in Australian aged care facilities, yet many staff lack specialized training, which results in poor communication and subpar care due to high staff turnover.

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed new guidelines aimed at improving the treatment and overall care quality for dementia patients in Australian aged care.

These guidelines were created after consulting healthcare professionals, aged care providers, and individuals with dementia, emphasizing the need for better measurement of care aspects such as dignity, pain management, hygiene, and meaningful activities.

Currently, there is a significant lack of data on these critical areas, which are essential for delivering respectful and effective dementia care.

Inadequate pain management is common among people with dementia because they often cannot verbalize their pain properly, leading to behavioral issues and insufficient medication.

While dementia is not a natural part of aging, its risk increases with age, and with Australia's aging population, over one million Australians are projected to have dementia by 2065.

The new guidelines are designed to help policymakers and care providers evaluate and improve current practices, especially as dementia became Australia's leading cause of death, accounting for 10% of all deaths in 2023.

Breakdowns in communication and care are worsened by staff being rushed and unfamiliar with patients, underscoring the importance of continuity and personalized care.