Cassandra's Compass
Communication Guide
Practical, evidence-based strategies for communicating with people living with dementia, their families, and care teams — for family carers, aged-care staff, students, and clinicians
All content in Cassandra’s Compass is based on Australian legislation, Aged Care Quality Standards, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. However, each employer’s policies and procedures can differ significantly — even when all organisations follow the same law.
Your specific workplace documentation, facility protocols, and individual care plans always take precedence. Before performing any care task, administering medications, or responding to a clinical situation — always refer to your employer’s specific policies and consult the person’s individual care plan.
Clinical note: The information provided here reflects Australian legislation and evidence-based guidelines. Your facility’s specific clinical protocols, formularies, and care plans take legal and operational precedence. Always follow your employer’s policies first.
When in doubt — ask your supervisor. That is never a weakness. It is professionalism.
In aged care and dementia support, how you communicate is as clinically significant as any medication or procedure. This guide brings together evidence-based frameworks and practical, everyday strategies for talking with people living with dementia, working with families, and handing over within the care team — for family carers, aged-care staff, students, and clinicians alike. Every suggestion is grounded in current Australian aged-care practice and cross-referenced to the relevant tools and pages across the platform.
Related Pages
APA: Dementia Australia. (2026). Ask Annie app. https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/professional-development-and-training/ask-annie-app
Educational content only. This guide provides communication frameworks for educational purposes. For complex clinical or legal situations, always involve your service's clinical team, social worker, or management. Content is informed by Dementia Australia, ACSQHC, the Aged Care Quality Standards, and peer-reviewed literature.
Behaviour is communication. When words are gone, the body still speaks. Our role is to listen.
— Cassandra's Compass, BPSD Framework
Verified against official sources on 2 October 2026