Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting millions of lives and impacting entire families. In Australia alone, over 421,000 people are living with dementia, a number that is predicted to double by 2054 without significant intervention. The theme of Dementia Action Week 2025 (15-21 September), “Nobody can do it alone,” powerfully captures the reality of this journey.
In the ACT there are an estimated 6,100 people living with all forms of dementia. For them, finding a support system that not only understands the complexities of dementia but also provides a nurturing environment is crucial. This is where Goodwin steps in, guided by a simple, yet profound philosophy: “It takes a village.”
A diagnosis of dementia is a life-altering event for both the individual and their loved ones. It can bring feelings of isolation, confusion, and fear. At Goodwin, the approach to dementia care goes beyond a clinical model. It is a holistic, community-centred philosophy that recognises the power of a supportive network. With a dedicated team of employees across Goodwin’s Residential Care facilities in Ainslie, Farrer, Monash and Batemans Bay, Goodwin has created a very special “village-of-care” where every person, from residents and their families to the staff who provide daily care, plays a vital role.
Redesigning for dignity and purpose
A dementia-friendly environment is essential for promoting comfort, autonomy, and safety for residents. Over the past year, Goodwin has undertaken significant upgrades to its Memory Support Unit (MSU) at Goodwin House in Ainslie, incorporating best-practice dementia design.
The redesign of the Goodwin House MSU has created familiar, homelike spaces. Key improvements included the creation of a central kitchen-dining-living area, improved lighting, and a focus on intuitive design to help residents feel secure and oriented.
Goodwin is dedicated to creating a supportive and therapeutic environment for residents with dementia. “We are committed to creating environmentally responsive dementia design and integrated clinical-social care frameworks at our MSU at Goodwin House and also across all our Residential Care facilities where some of our residents are impacted by dementia,” says Sarah Lewis, Executive Manager of Residential Care. This approach leads to increased resident engagement and a reduction in responsive behaviours, creating a calmer and more comforting atmosphere for everyone.
For families whose loved ones reside at Goodwin, this commitment to excellence is truly comforting. The welcoming design and compassionate care help residents feel at ease, creating a sense of familiarity and security. Peter Barclay, whose mother Dorothy lives at Goodwin House, can attest to this. “I’m so happy with the care my mum receives at Goodwin,” he shares. “Sometimes when I visit her, I don’t want to leave because it’s so nice and ‘homey’ there.” This feeling of warmth and comfort is a testament to Goodwin’s person-centred care.
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, effective from 1 November 2025, place a stronger emphasis on person-centred care, a principle Goodwin has long embraced. “We ensure that individual needs and preferences are at the forefront of all care decisions, treating each person as a valued individual who is more than their diagnosis,” says John Penca, Goodwin General Manager Residential Care and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards Lead. For residents in the MSU, this means incorporating elements from their life stories, such as familiar furniture, personal music collections, or memory boxes outside their rooms, to help them feel settled and connected.
For many families, the decision to move a loved one into residential care is difficult. Goodwin’s dementia care model aims to ease this transition by providing a safe and dignified environment where the family remains a core part of the “village”. Staff are trained to build strong, supportive relationships not just with the resident, but with their family members too. Families can be assured that their loved ones are in a safe place with 24-hour support from a compassionate team.
Beyond the physical environment, Goodwin’s care focuses on helping residents live a life of purpose and connection. The organisation offers a wide range of stimulating activities designed to build self-esteem and encourage social interaction. This includes everything from Humour Therapy and Montessori Methods for Dementia to church services and daily wellness sessions. The secure courtyard garden at the Goodwin House MSU, specifically designed for dementia care, provides a tranquil setting where residents can enjoy the outdoors, with a bird aviary, BBQ area, and paved walking paths.
A community united: The Memory Walk & Jog campaign
The “Nobody can do it alone” theme for Dementia Action Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in the fight against dementia. Goodwin embodies this spirit not only through its daily care but also through its unwavering support for the Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog campaign. This event brings thousands of people together each year to raise vital funds for support services and pioneering dementia research.
In 2025, Goodwin was the State sponsor of the event in the ACT and raised a total of $80,000 for Dementia Australia. Staff, clients, residents, and families were active participants and supporters. The campaign provides an opportunity for the entire Goodwin community to unite for a cause that is deeply personal to many. “We are looking forward to the 2026 Memory Walk and Jog and hope to see a sea of purple coming together in support of this life-altering disease”, says Elna Jennings, General Manager Marketing and Communications.
“As a community, every kilometre and every dollar raised makes a difference, helping to provide vital services like counselling, support groups, education, and research. This coming together to raise awareness and funds perfectly encapsulates the ‘It takes a village’ ethos that defines Goodwin’s approach to care. By working together, we can move closer to a future free from dementia,” Jennings concludes.
Goodwin Aged Care: goodwin.org.au/residential-care
