Australia falls behind in dementia action planning

There are calls for Australian businesses and communities to work towards “dementia readiness” as more Australians choose to age in their own homes.

According to Dementia Training Australia, Australian businesses and local councils are a decade behind their European counterparts in creating dementia-friendly communities.

This is a problem because projections indicate that by 2034, more than 20% of Australians might have dementia. As Australia’s population ages and government policies shift towards keeping people at home longer, businesses and the community are facing an unprecedented challenge — and opportunity — to adapt to the needs of people living with dementia.

“Just as companies have cybersecurity and risk management plans, a dementia strategy should be an essential part of business continuity planning. We’re no longer just talking about health care. This is a reality for everything we do within our community,” said Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia (DTA).

“These plans should outline how staff respond to challenging situations, detail environmental modifications like contrasting seat colours in public spaces, and consider building designs that allow people to age comfortably at home. It’s about proactive, cost-effective measures that can significantly improve the quality of life for those with dementia. With small changes, we can help people live comfortably at home and reduce the need for early institutionalisation.

“Financial institutions in particular need to be vigilant in recognising signs of cognitive decline in their clients. Staff must be aware of sudden changes in financial behaviour, such as unusually large withdrawals or uncharacteristic spending patterns. This awareness helps protect vulnerable clients while navigating complex considerations,” Meyer said.

In the hospitality and tourism sectors, the focus shifts to safety and customer experience. Hotels, cruise lines and tourist attractions need to develop protocols to ensure the wellbeing of guests with dementia while providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all patrons.

However, the impact of dementia extends far beyond these sectors. Supermarkets, shopping centres and public transport services are all environments where staff may encounter people living with dementia daily, often without realising it.

“If someone with dementia leaves without paying, staff are faced with a difficult position. Training to recognise confusion or distress is crucial. It’s about managing delicate situations compassionately while protecting the business. Introductory courses on dementia-related behaviours can help staff handle these scenarios professionally, ensuring a positive customer experience,” Meyer said.

The business case for dementia readiness also goes beyond customer service. For ASX-listed companies, having a dementia strategy could soon become a key component of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. This shift reflects a growing recognition of dementia readiness’s commercial and ethical importance.

As part of Dementia Action Week, DTA launched a comprehensive resource hub to support organisations in developing their dementia action plans.

“We’re having conversations with boards interested in what actions Australian businesses should take to support people living with dementia,” Meyer said. “From luxury retirement villages to banks, organisations realise that being dementia-ready is not just about social responsibility, it’s about future-proofing their business.”

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