After the Royal Commission into Aged Care, this free framework will establish new dementia training standards nationwide

Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has introduced Australia's first free National Dementia Education and Training Standards Framework aimed at improving outcomes for people living with dementia. This framework was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care, ensuring that aged-care services, healthcare workers, and first responders have access to high-quality, consistent training, no matter their location, economic position or stage of career.

With the new Aged Care Act to take effect on 1 July 2025, aged care workers found negligent in their duties may face significant fines and penalties. With an expectation for improved care, now more than ever, those working with patients living with dementia must urgently assess their training levels and upskill where needed.

The new Standards Framework offers a clear, structured approach that assists anyone supporting a person living with dementia in evaluating their existing knowledge, identifying gaps, and enhancing their skills. By setting a consistent national standard, this initiative ensures that every person working with individuals living with dementia possesses the expertise required to deliver high-quality, informed care.

In a world first, this free framework not only addresses the dementia training needs of the aged and healthcare workforce but also extends its reach to the broader community, including family members caring for a person living with dementia. To further strengthen its impact, DTA will actively train organisations on these standards, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement best practices and enhance workforce capabilities.

“The Standards Framework articulates in clear detail the reason why training is critically important for the delivery of quality care and support,” said Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia. 

"Quality and consistency are key when it comes to training staff who care for people living with dementia. The Standards Framework not only sets clear expectations but also serves as a vital tool for recruiting the right people, maintaining high standards, and delivering quality dementia education and training,” Dr Meyer said.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to accessibility, offering comprehensive, high-quality training at no cost. It provides a benchmark for excellence, ensuring consistent standards for the best possible care."

“Access to services in regional and remote areas, where older people represent a larger proportion of the population, continues to pose a significant challenge. A standardised framework is a crucial step in ensuring a consistent approach to dementia care, so that someone in rural Queensland receives the same level of specialised care as a person in Sydney.” 

“This is a truly unique tool that will help anyone who comes into contact with people living with dementia. By mapping essential skills and knowledge required for quality dementia care, this critical self-assessment process will ultimately transform how we support people living with dementia, ensuring care that is both competent and compassionate,” she said.

This framework was developed in response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which highlighted critical gaps in dementia care training. The inquiry found that while over half of people living in residential aged care have a diagnosis of dementia, substandard care was common, with many aged care providers lacking the skills and capacity required to adequately care for people living with dementia. 

In addressing these concerns, the free DTA Standardised Framework includes:

Nationally Standardised Training: A consistent approach to dementia care education for healthcare workers, nurses, first responders, and aged-care professionals at all stages of their careers.

Comprehensive User Guides: Three user guides accompany the framework, ensuring organisations can navigate and implement the training effectively.

Digital Support Tools: The Dementia Training Action Plan (DTAP) - an online tool housed on the framework’s landing page, which allows organisations and individuals to assess their current training levels and map out their progress.

Dementia Training Australia is committed to making dementia care training accessible to all, ensuring that every facility and healthcare worker is equipped to provide the highest standard of care. The new framework represents a transformative step forward in improving dementia care nationwide.