A First Nations-led dementia care practice development program in Queensland is exploring how cultural practices including yarning circles, native foods and language can strengthen person-centred care for people of all backgrounds.
The project is underway at Anglicare Southern Queensland's St John's Nursing Home in Toowong and the Nalingu Respite Day Centre in Zillmere.
Led by practice development leads Felicity Dougherty and Kamilaroi woman Kathleen Bright, the initiative is taking place as part of an ongoing practice development program.
Ms Bright, who has 25 years' experience as a registered nurse, said the program brings together professional expertise and lived experience to apply "traditional ways of knowing, being and doing" in contemporary aged care.
"Too often, aged care is highly task-oriented, with increasing reliance on technology — from laptops and iPads to large TV screens," Ms Bright said.
"While technology has a role, it can work against informal relationships. First Nations cultural practices remind us of the importance of connection, presence and time, and there are valuable lessons in this for improving dementia care more broadly."
At present, the sessions have been centred around yarning circles, which created safe spaces for truth-telling, reflection and shared reminiscence.
The sessions have included Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients and residents.
Participants have also explored native foods and aromas, with opportunities to learn introductory words from the local Yagara language spoken in South East Queensland.
Future sessions are expected to build on the yarning circle format and include First Nations experiences in singing, art and screen printing.
Ms Bright said the pilot aimed to support meaningful engagement in aged care.
"I would like to see aged care move towards engagement that is genuinely meaningful," she said.
"The aim is to develop a more holistic and person-centred understanding of personhood for people living with dementia — one that recognises the importance of country, story, culture, community and law."
The program has been supported by Quandamooka and Bundjalung woman and Anglican Church Southern Queensland Reconciliation Action Plan Co-ordinator, Aunty Sandra King, and Anglicare Southern Queensland First Nations Engagement Lead Jess Simpson.
Ms Bright said participants had responded positively to the pilot.
"The enthusiasm for continuity and connection we've seen so far gives us strong encouragement to continue embedding First Nations perspectives into dementia care practice," she said.
International Dementia Conference co-convenor Marie Alford, who is also General Manager Growth and Innovation National Programs for Hammond Innovations, said the session would show dementia care was about the whole person, not the task or tool.
"By drawing on First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing, it will highlight universal human needs for connection, meaning, culture and belonging," Ms Alford said.
Practice insights from the program will be presented at the 2026 International Dementia Conference at the Hilton Sydney on June 4 and 5.
