World Alzheimer’s Month: What quality dementia care really looks like

Around 1 in every 12 Australians aged 65 and over are currently living with dementia, and this figure climbs to nearly 2 in 5 for those aged 90 and older.

21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day, an opportunity to raise awareness and break the stigma around Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. At HillView Care, we believe every person living with dementia deserves to be met with empathy, respect and personalised support. 

This month, we’re reflecting on how our care goes beyond clinical needs, focusing on meaningful moments, connection, and creating a true sense of home for our residents.

Understanding Alzheimer’s in an aged care setting

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, it progressively affects memory, thinking, language, and behaviour. In aged care, this means individuals need more than just nursing support, it requires a holistic, human-centred approach. 

At HillView Care,  our dementia care team recognises that dementia doesn’t present the same way in every person. So, our care is responsive and respectful of each resident’s preferences, history, and emotional needs.

By creating a sense of routine and security, accompanied by the freedom of choice, we can help our residents maintain dignity, reduce stress, and ensure they feel understood, even as communication and memory change.

Where to find specialised dementia care on the Gold Coast

The dementia care at our Merrimac and Ashmore residential aged care homes is designed with safety, calmness, and familiarity in mind. Our secure dementia-friendly homes allow residents to move about freely and safely, surrounded by familiar settings and caring faces.

HillView Care residents receive a personalised care plan, created in partnership with their family and reviewed regularly to adapt to their changing needs. Our nursing and care team is trained in dementia-specific strategies, understanding the importance of body language, tone, consistency, and patience.

Our dementia care provides:

• A safe environment
• 24/7 nursing care and health monitoring
• Gentle daily routines to minimise confusion
• Cognitive-stimulating activities such as music therapy, memory boxes, gardening, and arts

How do residents build connections at HillView Care?

As dementia progresses, finding words can become more difficult, but connections don’t have to suffer. At HillView Care, we help our residents feel joy in the non-verbal moments. It could be a song from their past, a shared laugh over morning tea that brings happiness to their day. A walk in the garden can bring calm and help residents feel relaxed. 

Our lifestyle team organises a range of activities and events that help support residents’ emotional well-being, help build valuable connections and foster a sense of belonging. Residents are encouraged, but never pressured, to take part in music sessions, sensory experiences, reminiscence activities, and social gatherings.

HillView Care staff take the time to get to know residents, their life story, needs, fears, and passions, so on difficult days there is always someone familiar to offer comfort, reassurance, and a sense of home.

Support for families

We understand that families caring for loved ones with dementia go through a lot. While there is plenty of love, there are also days when things get quite challenging and family members need extra support. 

We understand the emotions that come with making the decision to move a loved one into care. That’s why we offer tours of our Gold Coast aged care homes, open conversations, and ongoing reassurance, helping families make informed, heartfelt decisions.

Once your loved one is a resident at HillView Care, we provide regular updates as well as listening ears and a welcoming environment for family members so you can stay involved. Our respite care also offers flexibility for families, if you need a short-term break and are seeking support. 

Our team is committed to evolving our dementia care with new research, training and approaches that keep residents not only safe but uplifted and loved. If you’re searching for Gold Coast aged care where your loved one is seen as a person, not a diagnosis, we invite you to discover HillView Care. Visit our homes in Merrimac or Ashmore and see how our care and experience the HillView Care difference for yourself. Contact us for more information.