Free online training launched to improve volunteer dementia care in hospitals

A free online training course is set to improve support for people living with dementia in hospitals by making evidence-based education accessible to volunteers and health services across Australia.  

Developed by researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) and Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) in collaboration with leading health, aged care and consumer partners, Golden Angels: Online Dementia and Delirium Care Training equips volunteers with the skills and confidence to support people living with dementia and/or experiencing delirium during hospital admissions.  

The launch comes as Australia’s need for dementia care continues to grow.  

People living with dementia account for more than 200,000 hospitalisations each year, with unfamiliar environments, illness and disrupted routines often contributing to confusion, distress and risk of delirium, increasing the complexity of care for patients, families and hospital staff.  

The Golden Angels program was developed to address this growing need by providing accessible, evidence-based training that promotes person-centred care and strengthens the role of volunteers within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.  

Chief Investigator Associate Professor Katrina Anderson, from ANU and Southern NSW Local Health district, said the program combines research evidence, clinical expertise and lived experience to support better care outcomes.  

“Effective dementia care relies on more than medical treatment. Small acts of connection, reassurance and support can have a significant impact on a person’s hospital experience,” Associate Professor Anderson said.  

“This training combines the best available evidence with the practical knowledge of clinicians, volunteers, carers and people who are living with dementia.  

“Our goal was to create a high-quality resource that is accessible, engaging and designed to support the delivery of high-quality person-centred care.” 

The interactive training covers dementia and delirium awareness, communication strategies, person-centred care, meaningful engagement and practical approaches to supporting patients during hospital stays.  

The online training builds on the successful Golden Angels volunteer model, which has previously demonstrated benefits including reduced hospital readmissions, reduced need for one-to-one hospital care, improved quality of care, and positive experiences for volunteers, families and healthcare staff.  

“This training reflects almost two decades of research, collaboration and practical experience supporting people living with dementia in hospital settings,” Associate Professor Anderson said. “We’ve seen firsthand how trained volunteers can enhance person-centred care by providing companionship, reassurance and practical support alongside healthcare staff. 

“By moving the training online, and making it more accessible, we hope to support an even broader uptake, and help volunteers and health services across Australia strengthen dementia-friendly care.” 

The project is led by Associate Professor Katrina Anderson from the Aged Care Evaluation Unit at ANU and Southern NSW Local Health District, in partnership with the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, The University of Sydney, University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Canberra, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, with funding from the Medical Research Future Fund. 

The course is available free at sage.comp.anu.edu.au.