Description

In this episode, Coral speaks with Wendy Hall, founder of Dementia Doulas International and Dementia Doulas Australia, about the emergence and impact of the dementia doula role. Wendy shares her journey from nursing and paramedicine into dementia care, and how her experiences led to the creation of a role that supports families from diagnosis through to end of life. This conversation explores how dementia doulas offer continuity, emotional support, and practical guidance in a system that often leaves families feeling overwhelmed and alone.

Together, Coral and Wendy discuss how dementia doulas differ from end-of-life doulas, how the role is being integrated into aged care services, and why early intervention and long-term support are critical. They also talk through training pathways, telehealth access, and the importance of boundaries and sustainability for practitioners. This episode is a valuable listen for families, carers, aged care professionals, and anyone interested in improving dementia care.

In this episode:

• The origins and purpose of the dementia doula role
• Differences between dementia doulas and end-of-life doulas
• People with dementia often die alone, despite being surrounded by others
• The importance of early engagement, sometimes years before end of life
• How dementia doulas support families across the entire dementia journey
• Challenges within the aged care system and how doulas help bridge gaps
• Dementia doulas slow down decision-making and reduce overwhelm
• The concept of “bungee cord” support – families returning when needs arise
• Training and membership through Dementia Doulas International
• The need for practitioner self-care and boundary setting
• Plans for a national register of dementia doulas
• Telehealth access and multi-state support for families
• Integration of the role for in-home care and emerging interest from residential aged care

Resources mentioned:

• Dementia Doulas International website
• Dementia Doulas Australia website
• Book - The Dementia Doula by Wendy Hall

Connect with Wendy Hall:

• Wendy Hall LinkedIn

Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram 
• LinkedIn 

Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website
• Facebook
• Instagram

More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 

Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.

We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.

Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care...