Dementia is a degenerative disease that impacts millions globally, affecting a person’s memory, cognitive abilities, and capacity to carry out everyday tasks. As the disease advances, individuals often need more than just medical treatment; they also require emotional support and hands-on assistance to maintain their overall well-being. Although doctors and nurses are essential in managing dementia, allied healthcare professionals are equally important in delivering holistic, tailored care. This group of specialists—including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and social workers—offer services that significantly enhance the quality of life for both dementia patients and their families.

Sarah (name changed to protect anonymity), 33, is an occupational therapist specialising in dementia care. She works at a long-term care facility in Victoria where many of the patients have various stages of dementia. She has always felt a strong call to work with the aging population after she shadowed an occupational therapist during an internship.

“I found it inspiring how these professionals empowered individuals to regain independence and improve their quality of life, even with debilitation conditions like dementia”, says Sarah. “My grandmother developed dementia in her early 70s, and it was heartbreaking to watch her decline. Her condition and ultimately, death, also impacted my desire to work with older people with dementia”, she adds.

Sarah’s patients range from those who are in the early stages of dementia to those who are suffering from advanced dementia. Each time she sees them, part of her role is to review their condition, noting any changes that may have occurred since their last session. One of the patients she has been seeing for a long time is an 82-year-old woman with advanced dementia who struggles with mobility. For the past month, Sarah has been working with this patient to improve her balance. Using a simple set of exercises, Sarah helps the patient practice sitting-to-standing and walking short distances. She aims to help her build strength and reduce the risk of falls. This task takes time and patience, as her patient’s cognitive impairment sometimes means she forgets what she is supposed to do.

“It is important that with all my patients, I remain calm and offer them gentle reminders and encouragement as they move through various exercises,” says Sarah.

Another one of Sarah’s patients is a 74-year-old man who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He is in the early stages of dementia and still enjoys some independence, but at times he forgets how to properly fasten his clothes or take medications.

Sarah’s sessions with this patient usually start by reviewing his routine and identifying any areas where he feels unsure or frustrated. She might then take him through the process of buttoning his shirt and making small suggestions to improve his technique.

“I’ve also worked with this patient’s family to ensure they are using visual cues, such as labelling drawers with pictures of clothing, to help him find what he needs” Sarah says.

It isn’t just patients that Sarah works with, she also collaborates with other allied healthcare professionals. For example, she frequently consults with speech-language pathologists to ensure that her patients’ communication needs are being met. For her patient with advanced dementia, Sarah has recently noticed some difficulty swallowing, so she works closely with the speech therapists to adjust her feeding plan and reduce the risk of choking.

Throughout the day, Sarah’s work extends beyond direct patient care. She meets with family members to discuss strategies for coping with dementia’s progression. She offers suggestions for modifying the home environment to make daily tasks easier for their loved ones. She also checks in with the care team, discussing changes in the patient’s cognitive and physical abilities and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.

Sarah finds immense satisfaction and a deep sense of fulfilment in her role as an occupational therapist, especially when she sees her patients with dementia regain a sense of confidence and independence. Each day presents new challenges, but Sarah is continually motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference in her patients' lives.

"What I love most about my job is seeing a patient smile when they accomplish something they thought they couldn’t do. It’s not just about helping them with tasks like buttoning a shirt or making their morning tea; it’s about giving them the confidence to keep trying, to feel empowered in their own lives, and to know that they still have control over aspects of their day-to-day routines. Every small victory—whether it’s a successful walk without assistance or remembering to take their medication—is a significant moment of progress. It's those moments that remind me why I do what I do. It’s not just the tasks we work on together; it’s about building trust and fostering a sense of accomplishment that helps my patients regain their dignity. Being part of that journey and seeing someone’s face light up when they realise they can still do something they once thought impossible, is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces that the work we do as allied health professionals isn't just practical—it's deeply emotional and meaningful."