Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has unveiled Australia’s first National Dementia Education and Training Standards Framework, a free initiative designed to improve care standards for people living with dementia. This framework responds to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care and aims to provide high-quality, consistent dementia training across all sectors, including aged care workers, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
With the new Aged Care Act coming into effect on 1 July 2025, aged care workers found negligent in their duties may face significant penalties. As expectations for improved dementia care rise, workers must assess their current knowledge and seek necessary upskilling opportunities. The new Standards Framework provides a structured approach to help carers evaluate their expertise, address training gaps, and enhance their skills, ensuring a nationally consistent standard of care.
The framework extends beyond professionals, addressing the training needs of family members and others in the community who support people living with dementia. Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia, highlighted the framework’s importance:
“The Standards Framework clearly articulates why training is critical for the delivery of quality care and support,” Dr Meyer said.
“Quality and consistency are key when training those who care for people living with dementia. This framework sets clear expectations and serves as a vital tool for recruiting the right people, maintaining high standards, and delivering quality dementia education and training.”
One of the most significant aspects of the framework is its accessibility. Dr Meyer emphasised that making it freely available ensures that anyone—regardless of location or financial means—can access high-quality dementia training. This is particularly crucial in regional and remote areas, where older populations are larger, yet access to specialised services remains a challenge.
The DTA framework directly addresses these concerns with key features, including:
- Nationally Standardised Training: A unified approach to dementia education for professionals at all career stages.
- Comprehensive User Guides: Three guides to help organisations implement training effectively.
- Digital Support Tools: The Dementia Training Action Plan (DTAP), is an online tool to assess and track training progress.
“This standardised framework ensures that someone in rural Queensland receives the same level of care as a person in Sydney,” Dr Meyer said. “By mapping out essential skills and knowledge, this self-assessment tool will transform dementia care, making it more competent and compassionate.”
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified critical gaps in dementia care training, with findings showing that over half of residential aged care residents have dementia, yet many providers lack the necessary skills to provide appropriate care.
