Official name:
Residential Aged Care Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis (RACEDD)

About the research:

Led by Associate Professor Ayton, Dr Marta Woolford and Shannon Storey, this project is a collaboration between Baptcare and the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), with funding from the National Centre for Health Ageing.

The project began with in-depth interviews with residents and staff, gathering insights that shaped the educational content. Interactive workshops were held in two Baptcare homes using the World Café method. Residents and families engaged in dynamic discussions across three tables, each focusing on different aspects of dementia education. This process resulted in the creation of six key dementia topics:

• Understanding Dementia: Types, causes, stages, symptoms, and diagnosis
• Dementia-related behaviours: Types, why these occur and strategies to cope “It’s the disease, not the person”
• Communication: Building skills and knowledge for communication
  Inclusion and engagement: Strategies and opportunities for inclusion and engagement
• Compassion and acceptance
• Supporting families and friends of residents living with dementia.

Baptcare residents and their families are now experiencing the benefits of an innovative, co-designed education program. This initiative provides practical, accessible, and tailored information to meet the real needs of those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Continuous learning and support

To ensure ongoing learning, the education is being delivered at five homes through regular Connection Cafés every 4-6 weeks. These sessions are complemented by specialised dementia education sessions led by experts 1-2 times a year. Additionally, booklets and brochures have been developed to reinforce learning offering continuous support and resources for residents, families, and staff.

Project timing: March 2023 – June 2025