Did you know that music has the power to awaken memories, reduce anxiety, and create meaningful moments for people living with dementia? Music therapy isn’t just entertainment; it’s a proven approach that improves well-being and strengthens relationships between individuals, families, and care providers.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Dr. Brendan Lamb, a lecturer in Creative Arts and Health, and Yashi dive into the role of music therapy in dementia care. They explore how rhythm, melody, and familiar songs can reach parts of the brain untouched by dementia and why this therapeutic tool is so powerful in respite settings.

Tune in to learn about:

• How music therapy supports memory, mood, and communication
• Why music is uniquely effective for people living with dementia
• Practical strategies for integrating music into respite and aged care services
• Real-life examples of how music brings joy and connection
• Tips for families and care workers to use music meaningfully at home and in care

If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.

Dr Brendan Lamb is a graduate from the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium, having completed a PhD in Musicology, an Honours degree in Music Performance and a Grad Dip in Musicology. He has had more than 10 years of teaching experience coordinating, lecturing and tutoring for Creative Arts and Health, Music Theory and Sociohistorical context. His PhD thesis, ‘Old and New: How the Irish Folk Music Revival of the twentieth century revitalised and modified Irish music’, focused on the musical and cultural impact of the Irish folk music revival on Irish traditional music and the significance of key performers and ensembles in the progress of the Irish music tradition. His research interests include creative arts and neuroscience, Irish traditional music, jazz performance and history and ludo musicology. He has also published in Musicology Australia researching the use of music and varying stylistic elements to reinforce place and period in fantasy video games, and also Irish folk music of the mid-twentieth century.

Did you know that supporting someone to do things for themselves instead of doing it for them can boost their confidence, maintain dignity, and improve their overall wellbeing? That’s the power of reablement.

In this episode, Dr Claire O’Connor joins Yashi to explore how reablement supports older adults to maintain or regain their independence through meaningful, everyday tasks.

Dr Claire O'Connor is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, UNSW, a Conjoint Senior Research Fellow with NeuRA, Honorary Senior Research Fellow with HammondCare, and is also a registered occupational therapist. Claire leads a program of research focused on the translation and implementation of non-pharmacological interventions to improve dementia practice, focusing on reablement/rehabilitation, and maximising functioning, engagement and wellbeing in people living with dementia and their informal supporters. Combining her clinical training in occupational therapy and research skills, Claire is passionate about contributing to research that is meaningful to ageing populations and people impacted by dementia.

Tune in to learn about:

• What reablement really means and how it differs from traditional care
• Why promoting independence helps both physical and mental health
• Practical, everyday strategies for carers, families, and teams
• How to balance safety, support, and autonomy
• The long-term impact of reablement on confidence and quality of life

Whether you work in aged care, home care, or support someone living with dementia or physical decline, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

Click on the Links below to learn more about what we discussed in this episode

· 2025 World Alzheimer’s Report: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2025/

· Freely available evidence-informed dementia reablement resources: www.hammond.com.au/reablement

· DTA dementia rehabilitation e-course: https://dta.com.au/online-courses/introduction-to-dementia-rehabilitation/

What is it really like to access overnight respite care for the first time?

In this heartfelt episode of Voices in DREAM, we sit down with Sharon to hear her and her mother’s powerful story of experiencing overnight respite care for the very first time.

Sharon’s mum, who was living with dementia, faced uncertainty and vulnerability during this major transition. Sharon shares her emotional journey, the fears, hopes, and lessons she and her mum both encountered.

Tune in to explore:

· The emotional impact of accessing respite for the first time

· Sharon’s reflections on her mum’s experience and how care teams responded

· What made a difference and what could’ve been better

· Practical ways to support people living with dementia and their families during their first respite stay

· How we can create smoother, more supportive transitions into respite care

Whether you’re a caregiver, aged care worker, or someone supporting a loved one with dementia, this episode offers invaluable insights into the real-life experience of respite and how we can do better.

Did you know that successful respite care for people living with dementia relies just as much on how we support the carers and support workers as it does on the care itself? Empowered, well-informed carers can make all the difference in creating a safe, calm, and enriching respite experience.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, we explore practical, person-centred strategies for both support workers and carers who are providing respite care for individuals living with dementia. Whether it’s preparing for a respite stay or responding to changes in behaviour, this episode offers helpful tips grounded in real-life care scenarios.

Tune in to learn about:

· How to prepare for a dementia respite stay

· Communication strategies that promote trust and comfort

· Supporting carers during and after respite care

· Managing changes in routine and behaviours with empathy

· Promoting team-based care between families and support staff

Whether you’re a family, carer, a community support worker, or part of an aged care team, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you deliver more successful and compassionate respite care.

Did you know that strong teamwork in aged care settings can lead to better outcomes for people living with dementia, especially during short-term respite stays? When staff support one another, care becomes more consistent, compassionate, and person-centred.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM we’re joined by Emmanuel, an experienced aged care worker who shares practical strategies for building a supportive workplace culture. Together, we explore how collaboration, open communication, and simple daily actions between staff can make a powerful difference in the lives of residents and in the wellbeing of care teams.

Tune in to learn about:

• The importance of workplace culture in dementia care
• How to communicate effectively across shifts and roles
• Building trust and psychological safety among team members
• Managing stress and preventing burnout together
• Daily habits that help teams feel more connected and capable

If you work in residential aged care or support people living with dementia during respite stays, this episode is full of practical insights to help your team deliver the best care together.

Did you know that dementia care in respite settings requires a unique approach to help both the person living with dementia and their caregivers adjust, feel safe, and thrive during short stays?

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Michelle, a Dementia Nurse Consultant, shares her expert insights on how dementia care in respite settings differs from long-term care. She explains the challenges, the importance of quick trust-building, and how respite care not only supports people living with dementia but also provides crucial relief to their families.

Tune in to learn about:

• The unique challenges of dementia care in respite settings
• How care teams adapt to short-term stays
• The role of families in making respite successful
• Emotional and medical support strategies during respite
• Advice for carers hesitant about using respite care

If you’re supporting someone with dementia or a caregiver in your life, this episode is made for you.

Did you know that just a few days of respite care can help family caregivers feel more rested, less stressed, and more connected to the people they’re caring for?

In this episode of Voices in DREAM Sharon shares her personal story of caring for her mum, Janet, who lived with vascular dementia. From the early signs and diagnosis to discovering respite care and the real impact it had on both their lives. This episode dives deep into how taking a break can truly make a difference.

Tune in to hear about:

• The challenges Sharon faced as a carer
• How she found and accessed respite care
• The surprising ways respite helped both her and her mum
• Advice for carers who feel guilty about taking time off

If you’re caring for someone or supporting a carer, this episode is for you.

Did you know that thoughtfully designed environments can reduce anxiety, improve safety, and support independence for people living with dementia - especially in short-term respite care settings.

In today’s episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi welcomes Bridgette, an advocate for dementia friendly environmental design. Bridgette shares practical insights on how small but meaningful environmental changes in respite care can create calm, connection, and dignity for residents living with dementia.

In today’s episode Bridgette and Yashi talk about:

• What makes a dementia-friendly environment in respite and residential care
• How the environment impacts residents’ mood, orientation, and safety
• The important role of support workers in shaping and keeping dementia-friendly spaces
• Practical tips for small changes that make a big difference
• Emphasis on creating calm, consistent, and familiar surroundings
• Reflection on how environmental design complements compassionate care