WHO endorses Australia’s dementia care training framework

The World Health Organization has officially endorsed Dementia Training Australia's national framework, recognising it as a benchmark for dementia care education on a global scale.

This development sees the framework included on the WHO's Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange platform, which acts as a platform for sharing evidence-based resources and strategies to improve dementia care worldwide.

Dementia Training Australia's Standards Framework provides a national point of reference for training, offering a structured approach designed to evaluate knowledge, address existing gaps, and improve care quality across clinical environments, aged care, and broader community settings.

Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director at Dementia Training Australia, stated, "We're honoured that the World Health Organization has recognised our Standards Framework as a global benchmark for dementia education."

She added, "This recognition means more people will gain access to consistent, practical guidance – empowering families, care workers and health professionals to provide better support for people living with dementia."

Dr Meyer further emphasised the importance of accessibility for the framework. "It's crucial to us that this resource is free and accessible to anyone who needs it. Whether you're a nurse, a support worker, or a family member caring for a loved one, everyone should have access to clear, practical guidance to provide the best possible support. By featuring on the GDO KE platform, the framework's reach and impact will be felt by more people living with dementia and those who support them," she said.

The Standards Framework was developed in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which highlighted shortcomings in dementia care and identified significant training gaps for aged care providers. The inquiry reported that although more than half of residents in aged care have a diagnosis of dementia, many aged care providers did not possess adequate skills or capacity to ensure appropriate care for these individuals.

The DTA Standardised Framework offers nationally standardised training suitable for healthcare workers, nurses, first responders, and aged-care professionals at all stages of their careers.

Three comprehensive user guides are included to support organisations in navigating and implementing the training within their specific contexts.

A digital tool known as the Dementia Training Action Plan (DTAP) is provided through the framework's landing page. This tool assists both individuals and organisations by enabling them to assess current training levels and plan further development.

The introduction of a consistent national standard aims to ensure that all professionals and carers working with people who have dementia can deliver informed and high-quality care.

Dementia Training Australia has stated its commitment to ensuring dementia care training remains accessible and free, with the intention of equipping every facility and healthcare worker with the necessary skills to provide high standards of care.

The Standards Framework is now publicly accessible through the WHO's Knowledge Exchange platform, allowing broader international access and recognition for Australia's approach to dementia education and training.