In Australia, over 400,000 people are living with dementia, a number projected to double by 2050. As the prevalence of this complex condition grows, the aged care sector faces an urgent need to elevate its standard of care.
Unlike hospital or childcare settings, where ongoing professional development is often mandated and robustly supported, aged care frequently operates with minimal training requirements for staff.
This gap in dementia literacy not only affects care quality but reflects broader societal attitudes towards older adults.
Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania, argues that raising the baseline of dementia knowledge is critical to improving outcomes for residents, families, and care workers alike.
The need for a stronger foundation in dementia care
Hospitals and childcare facilities operate under strict expectations for staff expertise. In hospitals, specialist nurses and clinicians with advanced qualifications ensure high-quality care for conditions like cancer or heart disease.
Similarly, childcare workers undergo rigorous training to meet developmental and safety standards, with society quick to demand accountability for any lapses.
Yet, in aged care, Professor Vickers notes a stark contrast: “It’s a de-skilled environment. Dementia is a complex condition, but we’re happy for people to have minimal qualifications to provide that care.”
This discrepancy, he argues, stems from a lack of systemic investment in building workforce capability, despite dementia being a core challenge in aged care.
Vickers highlights that the absence of mandatory dementia training leaves many workers underprepared. “You wouldn’t accept an emergency department where nobody knew anything about heart attacks,” he says.
“It’s crazy that we tolerate this in aged care, where dementia is so prevalent.” The consequences are felt not only by residents but also by families and staff, who often face stress and burnout due to insufficient tools to manage complex care needs.
Vickers points out that even basic dementia literacy can make a significant difference, alleviating stress for carers and improving residents’ quality of life.
Lessons from other sectors
Hospitals provide a compelling model for aged care to emulate. Teaching hospitals, as Vickers explains, receive funding to support staff professional development and research engagement, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
“If you’re a learning organisation, the quality of care you provide is going to be higher,” he says. This approach ensures that staff are equipped with the latest evidence-based practices, benefiting both patients and the institution.
In contrast, aged care providers often prioritise regulatory compliance or financial survival over investing in staff training, with some even hesitant to upskill workers for fear of increased wage demands.
Childcare, too, offers a stark comparison. Society places a high value on the care and education of children, with strict qualifications and oversight ensuring standards are met. Vickers laments that the same urgency isn’t applied to aged care: “It speaks to the value society places on elderly people, which is poor.”
He argues that a sector-wide effort to raise the floor of dementia knowledge is essential, not only to improve care but to shift societal perceptions of ageing and dementia.
The role of education in transforming dementia care
The Wicking Dementia Centre, internationally recognised for its research and education, is addressing this gap through its innovative programs.
Unlike many dementia-focused organisations that prioritise research alone, Wicking integrates cutting-edge findings into accessible education for aged care workers, health professionals, and even family carers. “We see education as a really important part of our mission,” Vickers says. “It’s about translating research findings to the masses.”
One standout offering is the Diploma of Dementia Care, a fully online, tuition-free program for domestic students commencing in Semester 2, 2025. Designed for accessibility, the eight-unit course requires no prior university experience and is tailored for aged care workers, such as those with a Certificate III, as well as allied health professionals and family carers.
“It’s about equipping people with sophisticated knowledge about dementia they can apply in their daily work,” Vickers explains. The curriculum covers the causes and progression of dementia, person-centred care strategies, and culturally appropriate practices, such as working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The diploma’s impact is tangible. Vickers cites consistent feedback from graduates who report reduced stress and greater confidence in their roles. “They gain tools to manage challenging situations better,” he says, recalling stories of workers who, after completing the course, could de-escalate stressful care scenarios or implement practical changes in their workplaces.
For example, one graduate transitioned into a training role within their organisation, becoming a key resource for colleagues. Others have moved into management or consultancy, leveraging their qualifications to enhance dementia care practices.
The Wicking Centre also offers the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services, which complements the dementia-specific program by providing a broader understanding of the aged care system, regulations, and services. This course appeals to those transitioning into aged care from sectors like disability or aspiring to management roles.
Both diplomas are informed by the Centre’s research, ensuring content is up-to-date and relevant. “All our academics are involved in research,” Vickers says. “That keeps the courses contemporary, whether it’s lab-based studies or care models.”
Accessibility and support for busy professionals
Recognising the demands on aged care workers, the Wicking Centre designs its courses for flexibility. The Diploma of Dementia Care is typically completed part-time over three to four years, with most students juggling work and personal responsibilities.
“Hardly anybody does it full-time,” Vickers notes. To support learners, the Centre employs dedicated staff who assist with everything from enrolment to assessment tasks, such as creating PowerPoints or navigating university systems.
The absence of exams further reduces stress, with assessments like assignments, presentations, and group tasks designed to be practical and relevant to workplace needs. Video content and infographics cater to visual learners, making the material accessible to diverse backgrounds.
The tuition-free offer for 2025 removes a significant barrier, particularly for support workers who may not earn high wages. “The spectre of HECS debt would be quite the turnoff,” Vickers admits, noting the University of Tasmania’s decision to waive fees as a game-changer.
This initiative ensures that financial constraints don’t prevent workers from gaining the skills needed to provide high-quality care.
A call for systemic change
While the Wicking Centre’s programs are making strides, Vickers believes broader change is needed. He advocates for aged care providers to adopt a learning culture akin to teaching hospitals, where staff are encouraged to upskill and share expertise.
“Some providers do this well,” he says, citing organisations that support staff to complete Wicking’s courses, including its free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which have reached over 640,000 learners globally.
These short courses, such as Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia, offer a low-commitment entry point to boost dementia literacy, with many graduates progressing to the diploma.
Vickers envisions a future where dementia education is embedded in aged care standards, with providers incentivised to invest in training. “If you’re engaging with a provider focused on dementia care, you should expect high levels of capability,” he says.
For workers considering the Diploma of Dementia Care, he offers a compelling message: “It’s an opportunity to build skills and provide quality care. You’ll also connect with others, learning from their experiences, which is invaluable.”
Taking the next step
As Australia grapples with a growing dementia crisis, the need for a skilled, compassionate workforce has never been clearer. Programs like those offered by the Wicking Dementia Centre provide a practical solution, equipping aged care workers with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference
For those interested in upskilling for Semester 2, 2025, the tuition-free Diploma of Dementia Care and Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services offer accessible pathways to career growth and better care outcomes. Visit the Wicking Centre’s website to register and explore how you can contribute to raising the floor of dementia care.
