Your Aged Care Compass

• What is cognitive stimulation therapy?

  In this insightful episode, Coral Wilkinson sits down with physiotherapist Amanda Burnby to explore Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a powerful, evidence-based approach that supports people living with dementia to stay engaged, confident, and connected. CST is more than just a therapy. It’s a philosophy that celebrates strengths, fosters social interaction, and builds cognitive resilience. Amanda explains how CST can be delivered in homes, group settings, and residential care facilities, and how families can use its principles to enrich everyday conversations. Whether you're a carer, clinician, or someone seeking practical ways to support a loved one with dementia, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tips to help people live well, no matter where they are on their dementia journey. In this episode: CST is an evidence-based therapy developed in the UK to support cognitive health in people with dementiaIt enhances memory, thinking, language, mood, and quality of lifeIt’s the only non-pharmacological intervention recommended in UK dementia guidelinesCST is most effective when started early, but can benefit people at all stages of dementiaTherapy can be delivered one-on-one at home, in small group settings, or in residential aged careGroup CST sessions offer therapeutic benefits plus valuable social interactionTherapy is based on neuroplasticity and the “use it or lose it” principleCST can be funded through Home Care Packages - families are encouraged to ask providersAmanda shares practical tips for families: focus on confidence, not correctnessEveryday conversations can become CST moments - use old photos, ask opinions, and explore changeCST helps reduce loneliness and builds stronger relationships through meaningful engagementResources mentioned:CST Australia websiteConnect with Amanda Burnby:LinkedInAbsolute Care Therapy websiteConnect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story

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• Dementia, delirium and depression

  In this episode of Your Aged Care Compass, Coral is joined by psychiatrist Dr Kailas Roberts to discuss three often-confused conditions that affect older adults: dementia, delirium and depression. These conditions can present with overlapping symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, and mood changes, but their causes, trajectories, and treatments differ significantly. Understanding these nuances is critical for families, carers, and professionals supporting older people through health transitions.Dr Roberts brings decades of clinical experience and a deep commitment to brain health to this conversation. He explains how each condition manifests, how they can coexist, and why accurate diagnosis is essential, especially when symptoms fluctuate or appear suddenly. Coral also shares personal reflections from her father's experiences with delirium during hospital stays, adding warmth and real-world context to the discussion.In this episode: Dementia is a clinical syndrome caused by various diseases, including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementiaDelirium is an acute confusional state that can be reversed if the underlying cause is treatedDepression is a mood disorder that can mimic dementia symptoms, especially in older adultsCognitive symptoms such as memory loss and attention difficulties can appear in all three conditions“Depressive pseudodementia” refers to cognitive impairment caused by depression rather than neurodegenerationSudden changes in cognition or behaviour often point to delirium rather than dementiaDelirium symptoms fluctuate throughout the day, while dementia tends to be more stableDepression symptoms may be worse in the morning, unlike dementia, which often worsens later in the dayA thorough history of the patient is essential to distinguish between these conditionsMedication changes, infections, and electrolyte imbalances are common triggers for deliriumHypoactive delirium, marked by withdrawal and quietness, is often missed but just as serious as hyperactive formsNon-drug interventions like reorientation cues and good lighting are key to managing deliriumAntidepressants can be helpful in depression but should be considered alongside lifestyle and psychological therapiesCarers are often the first to notice changes. Trusting and acting on their observations can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.Resources mentioned: Book – Mind Your Brain; The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia Connect with Dr Kailas Roberts:LinkedInYour Brain in Mind clinic Connect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about...

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• Dementia care with Dovida

  Caring for someone with dementia or other cognitive decline can be challenging. There are some home care providers who empower their staff to excel at this. Today Coral chats with Amy Devlin, a registered nurse and Client Experience Manager at home care provider Dovida, about how they have tackled this. Amy’s journey from hospital nursing to community care has shaped her passion for supporting older Australians.In the sometimes difficult area of providing dementia care, Dovida delivers. Their relationship-based approach, their in-house staff training, support and ongoing mentoring ensure Dovida caregivers provide continuity of care, dignity and respect for all clients and their families. And they offer 24-hour local support. In this episode: Meaningful experiences that go beyond a clinical settingEnsuring clients receive high-quality, person-centred care in their homesThe role of a Client Experience Manager in supporting care qualityHow Dovida is preparing for Support at HomeThe benefits of being a registered training organisation (RTO)Dovida trains caregivers to support people with dementiaUse of immersive dementia rooms for hands-on learningThe importance of caregiver coaches and on-the-ground mentoringStrategies for matching caregivers to clientsSpecial considerations when supporting someone living with dementiaA positive caregiver-client connection supports other family too Why continuity of care is essential for both clients and their loved onesHow Dovida’s localised, 24-hour support model builds trust and reassuranceResponding to challenging behaviours with empathy and tailored strategiesCollaborative care planning with GPs, geriatricians, and Dementia AustraliaResources mentioned:Dementia behaviour management advisory services (DBMAS) Connect with Amy Devlin and Dovida Amy Devlin LinkedInDovida websiteConnect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of...

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• Loneliness - what the research reveals

  Loneliness is more than a feeling. It’s a public health issue. In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Coral speaks with internationally recognised researcher Dr Rosanne Freak-Poli to unpack the real-world impact of loneliness and social isolation on our health, especially as we age. From cardiovascular risk to dementia, Rosanne shares compelling evidence that social health is just as vital as physical and mental wellbeing.Connection shapes our lives, no matter who we are. Whether you're a family member, aged care provider, health professional, or simply a member of the community, this episode describes strategies that are already changing lives across Australia. If you’ve ever wondered how many close connections you really need, or how volunteering could transform someone’s health, this conversation is for you.In this episode: The difference between loneliness, social isolation, and social supportThe surprising health risks linked to lonelinessSocial isolation affects lifestyle behaviours, while loneliness triggers biological stress responsesHow many social connections you need to protect your healthGender differences in how loneliness is experienced and reportedThe different effects informal caregiving has for women and menResources to help people connect locallyChallenges and creative solutions for connecting people with mobility or cognitive limitationsHow volunteering benefits both recipients and volunteers Social prescribing, how it works, and why it’s gaining traction in AustraliaWhere to find supportHow ASPIRE is leading the way in social prescribing research and educationQuality of life, not just longevity, should be available to everyoneResources mentioned:Ending loneliness together Heart foundation walking groups Men’s sheds My community directory Australian neighbourhood houses and centres association U3A Beyond blue (phone 1300 224 636)Friendline (phone 1800 424 287)Lifeline Australia (phone 131114)ASPIRE websiteASPIRE LinkedIn Related episodes:Episode 53 - Pharmacy addressing loneliness and social isolation Episode 54 – What is social prescribing? Episode 55 – The aged care volunteer visitors schemeConnect with Dr Rosanne...

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• The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

  In this heartwarming episode, Coral sits down with Philippa O'Donnell from FNQ Volunteers to explore one of Australia's most quietly transformative programs, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). Philippa brings positive stories that highlight the real impact of human connection, especially for older Australians whose social circles have diminished over time.From matchmaking volunteers based on shared passions to overcoming the challenges of remote communities, the conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. This government-funded program benefits everyone involved, not just the people receiving visitors. Here’s an episode that will leave you with a renewed sense of what’s possible when we provide companionship and care to our older community. In this episode: What the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) is and why it mattersMatching clients and volunteers based on shared interestsThe importance of one-on-one engagement for older AustraliansReal stories of connections and benefitsWho is eligible for a visitorVolunteer training, police checks and ongoing supportWhat volunteers can and can’t doThe sorts of activities volunteers undertake with their clientsPotential models for engagement in remote areasHow you can get involved, either as a volunteer or by referring someone Resources mentioned:FNQ volunteers ACVVS program website The national ACVVS websiteRelated episodes:Episode 53 - Pharmacy addressing loneliness and social isolation Episode 54 – What is social prescribing? Connect with Philippa O’Donnell:LinkedIn Connect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of...

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