Home care workers are the first line of defence for people living with dementia, but without proper training, the whole system is at risk.

In living rooms and kitchens across Australia, the nation’s home care workforce is on the frontline of the dementia challenge. But too often, they’re being sent into battle without the tools they need.

“It’s like they’re parachuted in like deer in headlights,” says one aged care consultant, who spoke to SATURDAY on condition of anonymity. “Providers will tell you their staff have had dementia training – but when you dig, it’s an annual audit, a few video links, or a quick Q&A session. That’s not enough.”