Calls for better dementia education after older woman’s death

Better management and training for dementia has been called for following the death of an older woman in a dementia ward.

In July of this year, Joan Hobbs died after being beaten to death by a fellow resident with dementia.

National Seniors chief advocate Ian Henschke said the Royal Commission recommended compulsory training in aged care but it was still to be implemented.

"The government is culpable due to inaction on dementia training," Henschke said.

"Having a nurse 24/7 is insufficient if the nurse is not trained in dealing with dementia."

Around 70 per cent of aged-care residents live with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, including dementia. 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that more than 400,000 Australians live with dementia – the number was estimated to jump to 900,000 in the next 25 years.

There are no requirements by law to educate staff in dementia despite calls from the workforce for ongoing, comprehensive dementia training.

Dementia Australia proposed that mandatory dementia education be implemented for the staff working in residential aged care, including management, support personnel, and all healthcare professionals responsible for resident care.

"As part of Dementia Training Australia, we are working on establishing national dementia education standards to set clear parameters against which dementia education can be assessed and delivered."

"Health professionals who recently completed dementia education were more likely to recognise the importance of understanding dementia and have a positive attitude towards people with the condition."

Police were investigating Joan Hobbs' death, which left her with severe injuries, including facial bruising and shattered bones in her arm.

Ms Hobbs’ family believe under-staffing contributed to her death – a systemic issue in the aged-care sector.