The human side of dementia care

What I’ve learned visiting aged care homes across australia

By Rhiannon Dhoot, Client Relationship Manager at Sanctuary Recruitment

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of aged care homes across Australia, including facilities that specialise in dementia care and homes with dedicated dementia support units.

Although every home has its own culture and way of doing things, I’ve walked away from each visit with the same thought: dementia affects far more than the person living with the condition. It impacts families, carers, nurses, support staff and entire care teams.

Working closely with aged care providers has given me the chance to see these environments firsthand. While I’ve seen the challenges dementia can present, I’ve also seen the incredible difference that compassionate, skilled care can make.

Dementia care is about people

Spending time in aged care homes has given me a huge appreciation for the nurses, carers and support staff working in dementia care.

Clinical knowledge is essential, but the qualities that have stood out most during my visits are:

• Patience
• Empathy
• Communication
• Understanding
• Adaptability

I’ve watched staff calmly reassure distressed residents, gently redirect conversations and adjust their approach based on the individual in front of them. The interactions that have stayed with me most were never rushed. Instead, they were built on trust, kindness and genuine compassion.

During my visits, I’ve seen residents become confused about where they are or believe family members are visiting when they aren’t. I’ve also witnessed moments of frustration when residents have struggled to communicate what they need or understand what’s happening around them.

In those moments, the response from staff can make all the difference. A calm voice, a familiar face or simply taking a little extra time can help someone feel safe again.

The best dementia care I’ve observed isn’t just about clinical expertise. It’s about building trust, showing patience and treating every resident as an individual.

Some of the things I’ve consistently seen great dementia care teams do include:

• Taking the time to build trust with residents
• Adapting communication to suit the individual
• Remaining calm during moments of confusion
• Learning each resident’s routines and preferences
• Helping residents feel safe, supported and respected

The impact on families

Something else that has stood out throughout my visits is the impact dementia has on families.
I’ve seen family members spending meaningful time with their loved ones while also navigating the emotional reality of dementia. For many, there are feelings of sadness, uncertainty and helplessness as they watch someone they’ve known their entire life change over time.

While aged care providers are caring for residents, they’re often supporting families as well. Building trust, communicating openly and offering reassurance can be just as important as the care itself.

Families often rely on aged care teams to provide:

• Compassion and understanding
• Regular communication
• Reassurance during difficult periods
• Consistent, high-quality care for their loved one

This is another reason why a compassionate workforce is so valuable. Families place enormous trust in aged care professionals, relying on them not only to provide excellent care, but also to support them through what can be an incredibly difficult journey.

The importance of continuity of care

One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away from visiting dementia care environments is just how important continuity of care really is.

Familiar staff members come to understand a resident’s routines, preferences and communication styles. They often know what helps someone feel calm, comfortable and safe, and they’re more likely to notice subtle changes in behaviour or wellbeing.

For people living with dementia, familiar faces can provide reassurance during periods of confusion or anxiety. Seeing the same carers and nurses regularly helps build trust and creates a stronger sense of security.

The benefits of continuity of care can include:

• Stronger relationships between residents and staff
• Greater comfort through familiar faces
• Earlier identification of changes in behaviour or wellbeing
• Increased confidence and reassurance for families

While workforce shortages continue to challenge the aged care sector, consistency of care can make a meaningful difference to the experience of residents and their families.

It’s a reminder that attracting and retaining skilled aged care professionals isn’t just about filling shifts. It’s about giving residents the continuity, trust and relationships that can have a real impact on their daily lives.

Looking ahead

As dementia becomes increasingly common across aged care settings, the need for skilled and compassionate workers will only continue to grow.

After visiting so many homes, I’ve come away believing that the people providing the care make the biggest difference.

Policies, funding models and clinical frameworks are all important, but it’s often the everyday acts of patience, kindness and professionalism that leave the biggest impression. Those moments may seem small, but they can have an enormous impact on both residents and their families.

At Sanctuary Recruitment, we work closely with aged care providers across Australia and understand how important it is to build strong, compassionate workforces. Whether we’re supporting providers with permanent recruitment, casual staffing solutions or workforce planning, our goal is to help ensure residents receive the consistency and quality of care they deserve.

As the sector continues to evolve, investing in and supporting aged care professionals will remain essential. Behind every great dementia care home are people who show up each day with compassion, patience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Get in touch

If you’d like to discuss hospitality recruitment, workforce planning, or how Sanctuary can support your aged care team, I’d be happy to chat.

Rhiannon Dhoot
Client Relationship Manager | Sanctuary Recruitment

📧 rhiannon.dhoot@sanctuaryrecruitment.com
📱 +61 485 972 926