Kristina Chelberg

This research focuses on empowering people living with dementia by creating innovative approaches to directly participate in aged care policies and services. Despite representing a significant portion of aged care residents, individuals living with dementia are often excluded from feedback and consultation processes due to communication and cognitive challenges to completing language-based surveys and interviews. 

The project will use participatory action research within residential aged care facilities to explore methods like visual tools, sensory approaches, and alternative communication systems to make participation more accessible. It aims to identify barriers, test new approaches, and develop evidence-based resources to promote inclusion of people living with dementia. By amplifying the voices of those living with dementia, the research seeks to improve the representativeness of aged care reforms and ensure policies reflect the lived experiences of all residents. This work not only addresses systemic exclusion but also upholds the disability rights principle of “nothing about us, without us,” advocating for dignity, inclusion, and meaningful change in aged care systems.

Dr Kristina Chelberg is an early career researcher at University of Technology Sydney (UTS).