Introducing Our Business Assessment and Certification Team: Pioneering Dementia-Inclusive Environments
Left to right: Jane McLean, Kyle Laver and Eric Luu
We are delighted to introduce Kyle Laver and Eric Luu, Occupational Therapy students from La Trobe University, who have recently joined GreenConnect as vital members of our newly formed Business Assessment and Certification Team. This team, led by Project Facilitator Jane McLean, is at the forefront of our efforts to enhance dementia-inclusive environments across the Loddon-Mallee region. Jane’s extensive expertise in business operations and quality assurance is instrumental in ensuring the project's success and impact.
Phase 1: Investigative Research
Under Jane’s skilled leadership, the team is conducting a thorough investigation into the services available within the Loddon-Mallee region for people living with dementia and their carers. This involves examining current activities, accommodation, and in home support services. The goal is to define best practices and establish guidelines for the safe, effective, and enjoyable delivery of Respite Tourism services tailored specifically for people living with dementia. The team is also developing a Certification blueprint – a comprehensive framework for future business assessments and GreenConnect Certification – leveraging Jane’s vast experience in quality assurance. We anticipate completing this detailed research phase by the end of August 2024.
Hands-On Assessments: Testing Dementia-Inclusive Standards
As part of their ongoing work, Kyle and Eric have taken their research into the field, actively engaging in hands-on assessments of local businesses to evaluate their dementia inclusivity. These assessments are crucial for developing and refining the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Certification standards – known as ‘The Green Tick’ – which aim to recognise and promote environments that are safe, accessible, and welcoming to people living with dementia and their carers.
Recently, the team tested their newly developed business activity and accommodation assessment tools at various sites, including the Aligning Retreat, StupaView Cafe, the Great Stupa, Jin Lab Garden, the Atisha Centre Cafe and outdoor eating area, and the Gum Nut Huts (Airbnb accommodation). Each facility was thoroughly evaluated against the criteria that Kyle and Eric had developed during their placement.
These assessments mark a significant step in establishing and refining dementia-inclusive standards. Kyle and Eric will now compile their findings into detailed reports, which will include actionable recommendations. In the coming weeks, they will present these reports to the business owners and staff members, offering insights that could help transform these locations into more dementia-friendly spaces.
Dementia-Inclusive Assessment Review and Report
Building on the field assessments conducted by Kyle, Eric, and their La Trobe University colleagues, the team has been visiting various sites, including cafes, gardens, accommodation facilities, and cultural landmarks. Each location was rigorously evaluated using a detailed assessment tool, which was developed through a combination of comprehensive literature review, stakeholder meetings, and direct feedback from people living with dementia and their carers.
These assessments take into account the unique challenges faced by individuals living with dementia, such as cognitive impairment, sensory processing issues, mobility limitations, and emotional and behavioural responses. The insights gathered during these assessments are vital for identifying both strengths and areas where enhancements can be made to further support dementia inclusivity.
The findings from these assessments will be compiled into detailed reports, which will inform businesses on how to create even more welcoming and supportive environments. These reports are a key component in the journey towards earning the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Certification, helping businesses make impactful changes that contribute to a more inclusive community.
Real-World Impact: Moving Towards Certification
The insights gathered from these assessments will be compiled into detailed reports by Kyle and Eric. These reports, complete with specific recommendations, will be presented to the business owners and staff members in the coming weeks. By implementing these recommendations, businesses can move closer to achieving GreenConnect Dementia Respite Certification, thereby contributing to a more inclusive community for people living with dementia.
Sandra Slatter, Project Manager, highlighted the importance of this work, stating, "I was inspired by the amount of research Kyle and Eric have undertaken, the knowledge they have developed in the past six weeks about dementia, their understanding of what is required for a dementia-inclusive environment, and the professionalism they displayed during the assessments."
This project not only contributes to the students’ learning but also plays a critical role in supporting the community’s efforts to create more dementia-friendly spaces. As the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project progresses, we are excited to continue sharing our journey and the valuable insights we gain as we strive to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.