GreenConnect Delivers First Dementia-Friendly Business Assessment to the Great Stupa

La Trobe University’s Occupational Therapy students, Kyle Laver and Eric Lu, recently made significant strides in GreenConnect’s Assessment and Certification Project, aimed at helping businesses better serve people living with dementia and their carers. The project culminated in the development of an innovative assessment tool, designed to identify small yet impactful changes that can enhance the safety and comfort of all visitors, particularly those affected by dementia.

September marked an exciting milestone for the project with the delivery of its first official assessment report to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Myers Flat, Central Victoria. GreenConnect’s Project Manager, Sandra Slatter, and Jane McLean, Team Leader, personally handed over the report to Ian Green, Chairman and Director of the Great Stupa, and Alyce Crosbie, Marketing Manager. The assessment not only highlighted the many dementia-friendly aspects of the facility but also recommended several simple, cost-effective changes to further enhance its inclusivity.

From left to right: Jane McLean, Sandra Slatter, Ian Green and Alyce Crosbie

Ian Green expressed his enthusiasm for the report, which will play a critical role in the future development of the Great Stupa:

“The report will greatly assist in future planning and development of the Great Stupa. We are excited to be involved in the project’s continuing success and look forward to future opportunities to partner with GreenConnect.”

The report provided valuable feedback on a range of elements, including the use of colours to differentiate toilets, signage, and café items – areas that the Great Stupa team had not previously considered. Ian Green acknowledged how these insights will be integrated into their upcoming master plan:

“We are about to start a masterplan for the entire Stupa site, and we will incorporate many of these new learnings into our masterplan. Other items, like changing the colour of the toilet seats in the disabled toilets are things we will look to implement in the near future.”

The feedback also noted the appreciation for the business-friendly approach taken by GreenConnect in preparing the report. Ian Green added:

“We appreciated the awareness of the challenges facing business shown in the preparation of the report. We also appreciate the opportunity to gain a tiered accreditation for dementia inclusivity. We see value for the business in acquiring this accreditation and over time we will work towards this recognition. We look forward to the opportunity of being re-assessed at some time in the future.”

As GreenConnect moves forward, the next steps include delivering additional test assessment reports to several pilot businesses, using the findings to refine the assessment tool. The project will also enter its next phase, collaborating with La Trobe University’s Speech Therapy students to develop educational and training resources for businesses eager to improve their dementia inclusivity.

This successful partnership with the Great Stupa demonstrates the potential impact of GreenConnect’s assessment and certification process in fostering more dementia-friendly communities. With the ongoing support of businesses and the continued innovation of the GreenConnect team, the project is on track to create meaningful change for those living with dementia and their carers.