New director of dementia
Home is a feeling and provides a sense of comfort and safety that nurtures happiness, relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
Dementia care is an important aspect to all Uniting AgeWell services, recognising that every individual living with dementia has their own needs and experiences and involves relationships with families, carers, connection to place and community.
In Australia, Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia.
For organisations working on the front line in both residential and home settings, the reality of supporting people with dementia and their families, is a complex and evolving environment.
Recognising the importance of exploring the link between support, environment and the characteristics of dementia, Uniting AgeWell recently appointed a new Director of Dementia.
Karen Cameron comes with a wealth of experience in health and ageing through the implementation of state-wide policy change. Among other projects, she’s worked on the Home and Community Care Program, Victorian Carers Strategy, Victorian Cancer Screening Program and Victoria’s Public Health and Wellbeing Program and Dementia Projects. It was through this work she became aware of Uniting AgeWell sharing her strong appreciation for co-design, while working in Geelong to implement an approach to dementia friendly social support.
“Growing up in a family of nurses I knew I wanted to work in health. I wanted to get paid to keep fit and completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Physical Education where I undertook subjects in health promotion, ageing and disability. This lead to my passion for ageing well and further studies to complete a Graduate Diploma in Ageing and Recreation”
During placement at a day program for older people, Karen realised she loved meeting older people, hearing their stories, histories and life experiences and this forged a career in working to improve the health and wellbeing of people as they age.
Fast forward and Karen joins Uniting AgeWell to continue the rollout of the organisation’s Dementia Framework.
Jane Johnston, General Manager Uniting AgeWell Tasmania, says, “I am very excited that Karen has joined Uniting AgeWell to partner with customers, families and staff in the ongoing rollout of the dementia framework.”
Karen has big hopes for the continued improvement of dementia care across the sector. Her hope is that Uniting AgeWell achieves the best possible care outcomes for people living with dementia-related illness. Drawing on the experience of clinical, quality and front-line teams she intends to consolidate the knowledge, experience and skills that make a difference in the quality of life for people living with dementia.
She believes there is much work to be done to ensure all those involved in the life of a person with dementia understand that their interactions can make a difference.
“It requires a change in thinking about how people communicate when they are with their family member or friend, which will be different to how they historically knew to be with that person.
We are constantly reminded that dementia is a disease and not a normal part of ageing. With any disease, we need to understand how it is affecting the person and what they need from those around them.”
Read more about Uniting AgeWell’s approach to dementia care here.
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