When Senior Occupational Therapist Nicole steps into the specialist dementia units at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), her focus is not simply on managing symptoms, it’s on helping people feel safe, respected, and connected at what can be a deeply unsettling time.
With more than eight years’ experience, Nicole works across the Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) in H Block and the cognitive support beds.
Her role supports patients living with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), while also guiding families and clinical teams toward sustainable pathways of care.
“I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a real difference,” Nicole said.
“When I learned about occupational therapy, it just clicked as the perfect match. Our role is to improve wellbeing by helping people engage in what gives their life meaning.”
After early career experience in rural and acute hospital settings, Nicole moved into dementia-specialty care, becoming involved in the Enhanced Care Service and dementia taskforce for the new BPSD model of care before joining the ACU.
As a dedicated dementia specialty ward, the ACU is intentionally designed to reduce distress and promote independence.
Unlike traditional acute wards, the unit enables patients to move freely and safely without constant redirection - a common trigger for anxiety.
“The environment itself helps a lot and being able to walk and explore without being stopped makes a huge difference,” Nicole said.
Specialist dementia training for staff ensures consistent, compassionate care, while thoughtful design elements support calm engagement.
Interacting with purposeful resources such as lifelike dogs and babies, donated through the Occupational Violence Prevention Initiative, have also proven powerful.
“For some people, caring for something brings comfort, connection and a renewed sense of purpose,” Nicole said.
“Seeing a person experience more positive emotions due to feeling more comfortable, calm and safe is incredibly heartwarming.”
Nicole explained that BPSD is often misunderstood, when it is usually a person’s way of expressing unmet physical, psychological or sensory needs.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, as care has to be individual,” she said.
That’s why occupational therapists work closely with families to understand a person’s background, routines, preferences, and identity.
Everyday activities, from folding laundry and gardening to modified games or reminiscing over photographs, are carefully selected and adapted to support dignity, independence, and self-esteem.
“Everything we do is purposeful,” Nicole said.
“A simple card game might be adapted so someone can feel success and connection.
“We adapt the environment, the task or our approach rather than trying to change the person.”
A key aim of the dementia specialty services is to reduce long hospital stays by developing practical, individualised care strategies that continue beyond discharge - whether at home or in residential aged care.
“When families, carers or facilities receive a clear, tested behaviour support plan, they feel more confident supporting people in the community,” Nicole said.
For Nicole, the reward lies in the moments that matter most.
“Seeing someone calmer, more comfortable or feeling safe and knowing you helped improve their quality of life is incredibly meaningful.”
As dementia care becomes an increasingly vital part of healthcare, Nicole’s work reflects a simple truth: dignity, purpose and human connection matter at every stage of life.
