Thursday September 17, 2026
Geelong locals are the first in Victoria to join a ground-breaking new program aimed to support people living with dementia and their care partners to maintain independence improve wellbeing and remain at home for longer.
The Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care and Engagement program, known as SPICE, is a 10-week group-based program which fills a critical gap in existing dementia care and support services. Participants receive group information and support by connection with other community members in similar situations, as well as personalised support targeted for their specific needs.
SPICE brings together five evidence-based components: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), which uses themed group activities to support attention, memory, and social connection; supervised group exercise targeting strength, balance, and mobility; personalised home-based support through the Care of People with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) program, which works with care partners to develop practical strategies for everyday challenges; individual dietitian consultations to support nutrition; and dedicated care partner education and peer support sessions.
Each week, participants attend 2.5-hour group sessions with others in similar circumstances, receiving both shared group support and separate individualised interventions tailored to their specific needs and goals.
The SPICE program was first launched at the University of Canberra Hospital in 2022 as a one-year pilot but due to its success and high-demand has been extended until mid-2028. The program was developed in collaboration between the University of Canberra Centre for Ageing Research and Translation and Canberra Health Services, with lived experience advice from Dementia Australia Advocates.
The Barwon Health program is the first adaption of the SPICE model outside of the ACT and NSW and seeks to address the growing demand for innovative services and support for Australians living with dementia, now our leading cause of death.
Drysdale’s Lorraine Murrell, 79, is one of the first Victorians to benefit from the pilot program who says the program has had a big impact on her life,
“SPICE has been like a beacon in the dark. I am so grateful for the support and unwavering care during this group by all staff. It’s hard to imagine this has been a pilot group. The knowledge given has been amazing,” she said.
For her husband Bruce it has also been a big support in his role as carer,
“It has been a privilege to be included in this pilot course for the University of Canberra. The dedicated and professional staff at Barwon Health – the social worker, the OT’s and physio – always knowing we’re in good care. The other members of the group were like family members and all bonded well. I have learnt a lot about dementia and how to help our partners, with our talks in the so called ‘cupboard’. Very enlightening.
Barwon Health’s Primary Care Occupational Therapist Marissa Biscan believes the introduction of the SPICE program for Geelong residents has significantly improved access to evidence-based dementia care, addressing an important gap in post-diagnostic interventions,
“As part of the SPICE program, people living with dementia participate in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, which involves structured group discussions, problem-solving activities, and cognitive exercises designed to support cognitive health and wellbeing. These activities draw on participants’ life experiences, personal strengths, and unique perspectives, creating opportunities for meaningful contribution and engagement.
It has been a privilege for Barwon Health staff to deliver this innovative program, helping people living with dementia and their care partners remain active, connected, and living well in the local community,” she says.
Associate Professor Nathan D’Cunha from the University of Canberra says the program has had very positive results in other states,
“The evidence from the ACT shows improvements in the quality of life of people with dementia, improved confidence in care partners, and benefits from the exercise component. The most pleasing result has been the connections formed between group members that last long after the program has finished. Seeing Barwon Health run the program in a completely new community and clinical setting is a big step towards showing that dementia rehabilitation should be available to every Australian who needs it.”
The SPICE program is currently in its final weeks at Barwon Health within the Primary Care program, with discussions underway to determine how the SPICE program could be implemented long-term in the region.
For more information, go to https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/