for people living with dementia and their carers through nature-based respite activities, experiences and accommodation.
GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project
A pioneering, not-for-profit initiative transforming dementia respite care in the Loddon-Mallee region.
This innovative three-year pilot project introduces a completely new type of respite care: nature-based activities, experiences, and accommodation within dementia-inclusive environments.
Innovative Respite Care
GreenConnect is designed for people living with dementia, in the early to mid-stages, who live outside of residential aged care facilities, and their carers. We offer personalised support and respite experiences that go beyond traditional aged care, focusing on individual needs and preferences. Our approach provides a refreshing alternative to conventional respite care, ensuring that every participant receives the support they need in a way that suits them.
We welcome feedback from participants to help us continually enhance our services and better meet their needs.
Government Funded and Accessible
Funded by a $1.7 million grant from the Australian Government, GreenConnect ensures accessibility for all participants. There are no associated fees for activities, experiences, or accommodation, and all meals are provided.
Care Team Support
We have a team of coordinators and support staff working together to ensure all participants have a great experience.
We aim to support people living with dementia to stay in their own homes for longer, delaying the need for permanent residential care.
Bridging Gaps in Dementia Care
Background and Motivation
GreenConnect was created to meet an important need in our community: offering meaningful and effective respite care for people living in the early to mid-stages of dementia and their carers. During our search for ways to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia, we discovered the therapeutic benefits of green spaces. This discovery led us to explore how nature-based therapies could be adapted to better serve our community.
Traditional respite care often falls short, especially for those in the early to mid-stages of living with dementia who can still engage actively in life. Recognising this gap, we were inspired to dig deeper into the potential of green spaces and nature-based activities, aiming to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and provide much-needed respite for their carers.
By harnessing the therapeutic power of green spaces, GreenConnect provides a more holistic approach to dementia care, enhancing the wellbeing of both people living with dementia and their carers.
Identifying the Need
The journey to creating GreenConnect began with a clear understanding that current dementia care services, particularly in rural and regional areas, are often inadequate. Our research into the concept of “green care” revealed innovative approaches that could be tailored to support the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia.
To ensure our approach was well-informed, we partnered with local experts to review successful global practices in integrating nature into dementia care. Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden have shown how naturebased activities can improve mood, physical health, and social interaction among people living with dementia.
We also engaged with healthcare professionals, carers, and people living with dementia in our community to understand their specific needs and challenges. These conversations highlighted a significant gap in the availability of innovative respite services, particularly those that go beyond traditional aged care settings.
Fueled by global research and local insights, we saw a clear opportunity to fill this gap. We developed educational materials to raise awareness about the benefits of green care among health professionals and the broader community. These efforts laid the foundation for the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project in our local community.
A New Approach to Dementia Care
Nature-Based Respite
GreenConnect offers an innovative way to provide respite care for people living with early to mid-stage dementia and their carers. Rooted in the idea that nature has healing powers, GreenConnect focuses on activities that take place in natural settings to boost the wellbeing of participants. Designed with input from a wide range of voices, GreenConnect is tailored to meet the unique needs of its participants.
Our Goals
GreenConnect is built on the concept of “green care,” which highlights the positive impact nature can have on mental and physical health. Our goals are to:
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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.
Working Together
Engaging with our community is key to the success of GreenConnect. Our Steering Group, made up of a diverse range of people, meets regularly to guide the project and ensure it stays on track. This group includes:
• People living with dementia and their carers: Their experiences and insights shape our activities and support.
• Cultural and community groups: They help us ensure our services are culturally sensitive and accessible.
• Health and care professionals: They provide practical input on delivering care and making our programs work.
• Academic institutions and advocacy groups: They bring research expertise and support to our cause.
We gather feedback through workshops and informal consultations to keep our services aligned with the needs of our participants.
Compassionate Care and Support
GreenConnect offers a variety of nature-based activities that stimulate the senses, encourage social connections, and provide meaningful engagement. Our activities are designed to suit different levels of ability and personal preferences, and include:
Guided nature walks: Enjoy physical exercise and sensory experiences in peaceful outdoor settings.
Gardening and horticulture: Hands-on engagement with nature.
Art and creativity: Use natural materials to inspire artistic expression and stimulate the mind.
Outdoor relaxation and social events: Build community and enjoy social interactions in a relaxed, natural environment.
Overnight accommodation: Experience a comfortable, homelike setting that provides a short break together without the need for residential care. Our certified environments offer the security of support from in home service providers if needed, ensuring safety while promoting independence and dignity.
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.
Culturally relevant activities, such as a visit to the Atisha Centre in Bendigo have been described as “an enjoyable experience, culturally informative,” both peaceful and welcoming.
How
GreenConnect Works
Our process starts with an eligibility assessment to understand each participant’s stage of dementia, abilities, and care needs. This helps us create a tailored care plan that enhances their quality of life and promotes engagement.
With the care plan in place, participants can enjoy a range of activities designed to be both enjoyable and suitable for different abilities. Our activities provide meaningful engagement and relaxation, ensuring that both participants and their carers feel supported. Carers also have the opportunity to rest, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and welcoming environment.
Our Locations
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.
Making a Difference
GreenConnect is making a positive impact on dementia care in rural and regional communities. Early feedback shows that participants are experiencing reduced agitation, improved mood, and better physical health. Our work has attracted media attention, shining a light on the potential of our approach to address gaps in dementia care in the LoddonMallee region.
As the project continues, we’ll keep refining our services based on ongoing research and participant feedback. By focusing on the benefits of nature and filling gaps in traditional respite care, GreenConnect is setting a new standard in dementia care, offering essential support to those living with dementia and their carers.
Evaluating Our Impact
GreenConnect is closely monitored and evaluated to ensure we’re meeting our goals. The John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research oversees this evaluation, which 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.
Early Achievements
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. For example, a caregiver from Bendigo shared that after a GreenConnect day trip to a lavender farm, her 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.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who have found joy and comfort in our nature-based outings.
Ongoing Evaluation and Development
GreenConnect is continually assessed by La Trobe University’s John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research. Future research will explore its broader impact and potential applications in other sectors such as disability and mental health.
“I was apprehensive about the outing. Enjoyed a lot more than I expected. Very informative. Beautiful experience.”
Personal Stories and Testimonials
Participant stories highlight the profound impact of GreenConnect and underscore its effectiveness in providing not only respite care but also a supportive community for those navigating the challenges of dementia care.
“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.”
Who’s behind GreenConnect?
A group 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 organisations 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:
