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 assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.

Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 

Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.

Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 

We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.

 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 

Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pharmacy Guild