This Dementia Action Week (September 21-27), Catholic aged and disability service organisation VMCH is encouraging people to look beyond a dementia diagnosis and recognise the person behind it.
Almost half a million Australians are living with dementia and more than 1.7 million people are involved in their care. Yet many people still find it difficult to talk openly about dementia and the impact it can have on individuals and families.
In line with this year’s theme, “It’s time to talk about dementia”, VMCH is sharing the story of Dianne Chenoweth, who highlights the importance of understanding a person’s life, identity and experiences when providing dementia care.
Before she began experiencing symptoms of dementia, Ms Chenoweth’s career spanned multiple areas of nursing, including paediatrics, emergency care and neuroscience. She later worked with people living with dementia, long before she would face the condition herself.
“There wasn’t much Dianne didn’t know about the medical industry,” her husband, John Chenoweth, says. “She was always incredibly observant and emotionally intelligent.”
It was around 2015 that Mr Chenoweth first noticed changes in his wife. It would take almost seven years before Ms Chenoweth was formally diagnosed with dementia in late 2022.
Ms Chenoweth moved into residential aged care in November 2024, an experience Mr Chenoweth described as challenging.
A place later became available at VMCH’s Specialist Dementia Care Program and, in April 2026, Ms Chenoweth moved into the purpose-built Lady Lourdes House.
When Ms Chenoweth arrived, staff could see she was experiencing significant distress. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, the team took time to understand who she was as a person. They learned about her nursing background, her love of music and the routines that helped her feel safe and comfortable.
As staff got to know Ms Chenoweth better, they also gained a deeper understanding of the reasons behind some of the behaviours she was exhibiting.
For Binod Wosti, Unit Coordinator at Lady Lourdes House, Ms Chenoweth’s story demonstrates why personalised dementia care begins with understanding the individual.
“Dementia does not mean the loss of identity or individuality. There is still a person there, with dignity. Our role is to support, validate and help them feel safe,” he says.
Research shows the average time between the onset of symptoms and a dementia diagnosis is around three years, reinforcing the importance of recognising early signs and having open conversations when concerns arise.
FULL STORY
