GreenConnect: Enhancing Quality of Life - Industry
Enhancing quality of life
for people living with dementia and their carers through nature-based respite activities, experiences and accommodation.
GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project GreenConnect represents a pioneering advancement in dementia care within the Loddon-Mallee region. This innovative, not-for-profit initiative, established in June 2023 and officially launched in April 2024, introduces a novel approach to dementia respite through nature-based activities, experiences, and accommodation in environments designed for inclusivity.
Innovative Respite Care
GreenConnect offers specialised respite care tailored for people in the early to mid-stages of dementia who are living outside residential aged care facilities, alongside their carers. Our project goes beyond traditional models, delivering personalised support and respite experiences that cater to individual needs and preferences. By focusing on a customised approach, we provide a distinctive alternative to conventional respite care, ensuring participants receive tailored support in an environment that suits them best.
Feedback-Driven Improvement
We actively seek feedback from our participants through workshops and informal consultations to continually refine our services and better address their needs.
Government-Funded Accessibility
Supported by a $1.7 million grant from the Australian Government, GreenConnect is committed to providing accessible care at no cost to participants. This includes all activities, experiences, accommodation, and meals.
Dedicated Care Team
Our team of coordinators and support staff is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences. Our goal is to help people living with dementia remain in their own homes for as long as possible, thereby postponing the need for permanent residential care.
Bridging Gaps in Dementia Care
Addressing the Need for Better Respite
Dementia affects millions of Australians, yet access to quality respite care remains a significant challenge, especially in rural and regional areas. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, by 2054, the number of people with dementia is expected to balloon to more than 812,500. Dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women and the second leading cause of death for all Australians. Provisional data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Dementia Australia suggests dementia will soon be the leading cause of death overall.
Traditional respite services often fall short of meeting the complex needs of those living with dementia and their carers, particularly in rural and regional communities. GreenConnect was created to bridge these gaps, offering a compassionate, person-centred approach that leverages the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Nature-based experiences have a calming effect, reducing anxiety and agitation, promoting social connections, and bringing more joy, happiness, and tranquility into the lives of people with dementia, their carers, families, and friends. GreenConnect goes beyond conventional respite care, providing a range of activities, experiences, and accommodation options that are tailored to the unique needs of each participant. Our model is not just about providing care; it’s about creating moments of connection, peace, and fulfillment in the lives of those we support.
The GreenConnect Model of Care
The GreenConnect care model is shaped by a co-design research approach, conducted during the formative stages of the project through a workshop involving the Project Steering Group and two focus groups of formal and informal caregivers in Mildura and Bendigo. The Steering Group comprises research academics, including dementia researchers, community members, formal and informal caregivers, representation from First Nations organisations, LGBTIQA+ agencies, peak bodies like Dementia Australia, and the project consortium members. The resulting model serves as a framework for the organisation, delivery, and evaluation of the project, tailored to address the needs of people in the early to midstages of dementia or cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
Provide comprehensive dementia training to project team and operators to equip them with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring consistent, person-centred, dementia-friendly care and a positive respite experience.
Facilitate access for people living with dementia and their carers through self-referral or other channels (eg. support groups, community organisations, health services or other providers to enhance Project awareness, prioritise inclusivity, and cultivate a culture of respect and understanding.
Respite Care Coordinators conduct suitability assessments, targeting people in the early stages of dementia or with mild memory impairment. People identified with moderate to advanced dementia will be referred to existing respite services.
Guided by principles of equity, inclusivity, person-centred care, autonomy and dignity; using a strength-based and collaborative approach to develop care plans that consider the preferences of the person living with dementia and their carer.
Delivery of diverse, green-themed, strength-based respite activity options, offering overnight stays of up to a week and a range of group and individual activities.
Re-Aim Program implementation and evaluation
All participants given the opportunity to participate in feedback and evaluation.
Evaluation to be focused on satisfaction, quality of life, burden and wellbeing; and project sustainability and economic evaluation to supplement process evaluation.
Key elements of the model reflect gaps in dementia knowledge, awareness, training, and stigma; inclusivity; project marketing and promotion; caregiver stress and burden; strength-based care planning and goal setting that carefully considers the needs of the person living with dementia and those of the caregiver; and collaborative care, linking with other services.
This model is rooted in stakeholder co-design, involving a consultative and iterative feedback process. It draws from the principles of a personcentred approach, collaborative and continuous care, and rigorous program research and evaluation.
A New Approach to Dementia Care
Innovating with ‘Green Care’
Green Care is an emerging concept that integrates nature into healthcare practices, promoting wellbeing through structured outdoor activities. GreenConnect applies these principles to dementia care, offering participants a chance to reconnect with the natural world.
Our approach involves creating safe, engaging environments where participants can enjoy gardening, walking in nature, and other outdoor activities tailored to their abilities. These activities reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional respite care.
Our Goals
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Provide inclusive, nature-based respite care that meets the diverse needs and abilities of people living with dementia.
Enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.
Reduce stress for carers by offering engaging activities that provide a meaningful break.
Fill the gaps in dementia care by offering an alternative to traditional, residential aged care facilities.
Promote understanding and reduce stigma through community involvement and education.
What Sets Us Apart?
The following chart compares our offerings with existing respite options to illustrate the distinctiveness of the GreenConnect project:
• Accommodation (eg. short term 1-2 nights, longer retreat)
• Planned
• As wanted (eg. activity for the day)
Where?
• In your home
• An aged care home or centre
• A cottage or community setting
• Planned
• For emergencies
• To relieve and stimulate carers and participants, either together or independently
• Activities, experiences and accommodation checked and certified as dementia-inclusive
• Participants supported, and offerings personalised to individuals
• Join existing places, with set programs GreenConnect Existing Respite When?
• University research undertaken to substantiate the model of care
Why?
• To relieve carers
How?
This chart underscores the comprehensive and flexible nature of the GreenConnect approach. Unlike traditional respite options, which often provide limited, one-size-fits-all solutions, GreenConnect offers a dynamic range of choices that adapt to the unique needs of each participant. Whether it’s through our certified dementia-inclusive activities or personalised experiences, we ensure that both participants and carers receive the support they need in a way that best suits them.
In addition to these distinctive features, GreenConnect is committed to ongoing research and validation. Our partnership with university researchers helps us refine our model of care, ensuring it remains at the forefront of dementia respite services.
Compassionate Care and Support
The GreenConnect Experience
GreenConnect offers a diverse range of nature-based activities designed to stimulate the senses, encourage social connections, and provide meaningful engagement. Tailored to different abilities and personal preferences, our offerings include guided nature walks that combine physical exercise with sensory experiences in peaceful outdoor settings, gardening and horticulture activities that foster a hands-on connection with nature, and art and creative projects that use natural materials to inspire and engage the mind. Additionally, we host outdoor relaxation and social events that build community in a relaxed, natural environment, and provide overnight accommodation in comfortable, homelike settings that ensure safety while promoting independence and dignity.
How GreenConnect Works
GreenConnect is designed to provide a compassionate, tailored approach to respite care. Our process begins with an essential eligibility assessment, where we gather detailed information about the participant’s current stage of dementia, abilities, and care requirements. This assessment ensures that our programs are the right fit, allowing us to create a personalised care plan that enhances quality of life and promotes engagement. We focus on each participant’s strengths, working closely with both the individual and their carer to develop a plan that aligns with their unique preferences and needs.
Once the care plan is in place, participants can enjoy a diverse range of nature-based activities and experiences, all designed to be enriching, enjoyable, and suited to different levels of ability. Each activity is crafted to provide meaningful engagement and respite. Our commitment to inclusivity and person-centered care ensures that every participant feels supported, while carers are offered opportunities to rest and recharge, knowing their loved ones are in a safe, welcoming environment.
Collaborative Design
GreenConnect’s success is rooted in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. We gather insights from people living with dementia, their carers, community groups, service providers, and health professionals to ensure their unique needs are met. The project includes First Nations, LGBTQIA+, and culturally diverse groups to ensure inclusivity.
Advancing Dementia-Inclusive Environments: The Certification Process
Our Business Assessment and Certification Team is leading efforts to enhance dementia-inclusive environments across the Loddon-Mallee region. The team, supported by an expert in business operations and quality assurance, is conducting thorough investigations into the services available for people living with dementia and their carers. This involves evaluating current activities, accommodations, and in home support services to define best practices and establish guidelines for delivering Respite Tourism services tailored specifically to dementia needs.
In the hands-on phase, team members have been actively engaged in field assessments of local businesses, evaluating their dementia inclusivity. These assessments are critical for developing and refining the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Certification standards, known as ‘The Green Tick,’ which recognise environments that are safe, accessible, and welcoming to people living with dementia and their carers.
Through these assessments, businesses receive detailed reports with actionable recommendations, guiding them toward creating more dementia-friendly spaces. This process is a significant step in their journey toward earning the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Certification, contributing to a more inclusive community.
Project Sites
GreenConnect delivers services from two key locations – Heathcote and Mildura – each offering dementia-inclusive day activities and experiences, and overnight respite accommodations in natural settings.
Evaluating Our Impact
From the outset, GreenConnect has been committed to rigorous evaluation, ensuring that our services deliver tangible benefits to people living with dementia and their carers. La Trobe University’s John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research employs the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to continually assess our impact, focusing on both immediate outcomes and long-term sustainability. This includes:
• Formative and process evaluation: Assessing how we implement the project and where we can improve.
• Outcome evaluation: Measuring how effective we are at improving wellbeing for participants and satisfaction for carers.
• Economic evaluation: Analysing the cost-effectiveness of our programs compared to traditional residential respite care.
• Impact evaluation: Understanding the broader effects on the community and stakeholder engagement.
“[My partner] was relaxed and really happy on the day and could wander around without supervision. He’s excited for the next trip too. I’m sleeping better at night now.”
Early Evidence of Success
The true measure of GreenConnect’s success lies in the stories of those we’ve helped. Early results have been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced social connections, and sharing moving testimonials about the difference our services have made in their lives.
One carer noted, “Before GreenConnect, I panicked about how we could make friends. Now, my husband and I have a full diary of things to do and people to meet, and it has not broken the bank. We could not live well without friends, and sitting at home fills me with horror.” Another participant shared “I was apprehensive about the outing. Enjoyed a lot more than I expected. Very informative. Beautiful experience.”
These testimonials underscore the project’s effectiveness in providing not just respite care but also a supportive community and a sense of belonging for those navigating the challenges of dementia care. Our innovative approach has also garnered attention from the media and the broader community, further validating the importance of our work.
Expanding Our Vision
As we look to the future, GreenConnect is committed to expanding our reach and impact. We are exploring opportunities to bring our naturebased respite model to other regions, ensuring that more Australians can benefit from this innovative approach.
In addition to regional expansion, we are actively involved in ongoing research and development, seeking to refine and enhance our services. We believe that the principles of Green Care have the potential to influence other sectors, including disability, mental health, and palliative care, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
To support this growth, we are developing a Blueprint & Interactive ‘How To’ Toolkit that will include comprehensive information, templates for processes, procedures, and resources, as well as training and recruitment guidelines for key team members. This toolkit will serve as a valuable resource for expanding our model and ensuring consistent, high-quality care across all regions.
Who’s behind GreenConnect?
A consortium of like-minded organisations has come together to improve respite services for people living with dementia and their carers by creating opportunities to connect with nature. The project is available across the Loddon-Mallee region, including areas like Bendigo, Heathcote, Mildura, and Merbein.
The project is guided by a Steering Group that works to build strong connections between the consortium and the community, ensuring that everyone benefits from shared skills and knowledge. The group consists of the above organisations, people living with dementia, carers, and representatives from:
