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Calvary Health Care

Calvary acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands on which all our services operate. We recognise that these Custodians have walked upon and cared for these lands for thousands of years. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of First Nations peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

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Dementia Care at Calvary | Calvary Health Care

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Dementia Care at Calvary

Supporting dignity, independence and meaningful relationships

Our Approach to Dementia Care PEARS: A Principles-based Model Our services Research, Innovation and Partnerships Dementia Community of Practice Resources Programs

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Dementia Care at Calvary

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What is dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of conditions affecting memory, thinking, communication and daily activities.

Every person's experience is different. Many people continue to live well with dementia for many years with the right support.

With the right support and a reablement approach that builds on each person’s strengths and abilities, people living with dementia can continue to participate in everyday life, maintain independence and do the things that are meaningful to them.

Living well with dementia

At Calvary, we believe people living with dementia remain individuals with their own agency, history, identity, strengths and aspirations. Our approach is guided by our commitment to Being for Others and our PEARS Model, which places personhood at the centre of everything we do.

If we get it right for people living with dementia we get it right for everyone.

We see the person, not the diagnosis

Our Approach to Dementia Care

Inspired by Calvary’s Mission and guided by our values of Hospitality, Healing, Respect and Stewardship, our approach supports people living with dementia to continue experiencing dignity, meaning, purpose, hope, connection and belonging.

Our goal is to support people to:

Live with dignity, respect and agency
Exercise choice and control
Maintain independence for as long as possible
Continue meaningful relationships
Participate in activities that matter to them

This reflects the PEARS Dementia Model of Care, which places dignity, agency and respect at the heart of care.

The Calvary Approach to Care

PEARS: A Principles-based Model

The PEARS Model is a principles-based approach that outlines the vision for aged care at Calvary, the commitment to high quality care that is person-centred but which goes beyond this to a recognition of the Personhood of our residents, clients and patients.

Each domain in the PEARS Model has a corresponding set of principles and outcome measures, along with possible operational models to deliver on the principles. These principles guide care across all Calvary services.

Personhood includes:

Person and family centred care
Choice and control
Respect and dignity
Diversity and inclusion
Spirituality

The environment in which care is provided plays a significant role through:

Familiar and/or home-like setting
Access to outdoor areas and connection to nature
Space for personal belongings
Safe surroundings
Clear wayfinding

Activity encompasses:

Meaningful activities
Physical activity
Quality dining experience
Risk and participation is balanced

Relationships are supported by:

Social inclusion
Care and compassion
Families and friends are welcome
Community linkages
Personal connections

Safe care includes:

Efficient, effective, appropriate, timely and accessible care
Prevention and proactive management of responsive behaviours
Best practice nutrition and hydration care
Quality use of medicines
Quality approach to palliative care

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Calvary PEARS Dementia Model of Care

The Calvary PEARS Dementia Model of Care outlines our aspirational approach to delivering exceptional dementia care across all Calvary services.

Co-designed with people living with dementia, families, carers and clinicians, it reflects our commitment to person-centred care.

A staged pilot program will commence in 2026, enabling us to test, learn and continuously improve the model.

The lived experiences of people living with dementia, families and carers have shaped the model and will continue to guide our priorities, programs and service improvements.

What we heard

"I am listened to and I am allowed to take my time."

"I like to have choice about things that I do."

"It's important that staff know me, my life, my needs and things that are special to me."

"My house feels like a home."

"There is always someone to help me when I need it."

Our services

We support people living with dementia across a range of settings.

Home Care

Supporting people to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Residential Aged Care

Providing person-centred care in welcoming, dementia-friendly environments.

Hospital and Palliative Care

Supporting people living with dementia through acute care, transitions and end-of-life care.

Research, Innovation and Partnerships

We are committed to continuous improvement through research, innovation and collaboration.

Our work includes:

Co-design with residents, families and carers
Partnerships with universities and research organisations
Dementia-friendly design initiatives
Workforce education and capability development

Calvary Dementia Community of Practice

The Calvary Dementia Community of Practice brings together people who are passionate about improving the experience of people living with dementia.

Our community includes consumers, families, clinicians, care teams, leaders, researchers and support services from both external and internal to Calvary’s service settings.

Together, we share ideas, learn from one another and collaborate to advance person-centred, evidence informed dementia care.

The Community of Practice helps to:

✓ Promote best practice in dementia care across Calvary

✓ Build knowledge, capability and confidence in our workforce

✓ Share innovation, research and practical solutions

✓ Build knowledge, capability and confidence in our workforce

✓ Inform policy, practice and service improvement initiatives

The Dementia Community of Practice serves as an expert advisory group to Calvary's clinical governance committees and supports the implementation of the PEARS Dementia Model of Care.

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Join our Community of Practice

We welcome staff, clinicians, consumers, families and carers with an interest in dementia care.

To learn more or express your interest in joining the Dementia Community of Practice, please contact us.

Programs

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Support for early-stage dementia

Calvary iREADi Program

iREADi is a free rehabilitation program helping people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners build knowledge, skills and confidence.

Learn about the iREADi Program

Helpful resources

For information about dementia, support services and navigating care options, we encourage you to access trusted resources.

Dementia Australia
Dementia Support Australia
My Aged Care
Carer Gateway
National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines

In the news

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University of Sydney partnership to help those living with dementia

Calvary is partnering with the University of Sydney to trial and evaluate a new program to help aged care residents with mild to moderate dementia remain healthy and independent.

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Dementia program a star performer at Calvary

A dementia support program introduced in Calvary’s aged care homes across Melbourne’s Mornington and Bayside areas has won the healthcare provider’s national quality and safety Star award.

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Virtual dementia training lets Calvary staff see world through residents’ eyes

Hundreds of care staff in Calvary’s aged care homes across Victoria’s north-west and Surf Coast areas have undergone training using virtual reality to do just that.