Turning Lived Experience into Lasting Change
Dementia in Australia: Why Every Business Should Pay Attention
- 433,300 Australians are living with dementia in 2025, and the figure is projected to reach 812,500 by 2054 if no breakthrough occurs.
- Prevalence is forecast to rise by 93 % over the next 30 years, outpacing most other chronic conditions.
For trade-based businesses like True Blue Glass, where technicians regularly visit customers’ homes, including elderly or vulnerable individuals, this gap carries real risks. That’s why True Blue Glass is proud to lead change in our industry by becoming a dementia-friendly workplace.
This commitment aligns with our core values – people and community. And at the heart of this initiative is the personal journey of our founder, Bill Leavey.
Bill Leavey’s Story: Where It Started
Founder Bill Leavey built True Blue Glass from a single Ute and a stack of printed flyers in 2006. Establishing the business from the ground up, he recalled the door-to-door knocking. Nearly two decades later, True Blue Glass has grown into a respected industry leader.
“When I visited older clients, I’d ask if they wanted help taking the bins out,” Bill recalls. “It was a simple way to help, and a way to stay connected to a community I care about.”
One day, a minor ‘brain misinterpretation’ (driving on the wrong side of the road during his trip in America, forgetting routine tasks) led to a dementia diagnosis. That’s when everything started to change… “I usually make tea for my wife which I have been doing for a very long time. But, I forgot the milk when she has always preferred to have white tea. How? How could I forget that?”
While it is frustrating to fight for memory slipping away little by little, Bill did not budge. Instead, he began something remarkable. Since the diagnosis, Bill has:
- Established a peer-support group for people with dementia.
- Spoken at community forums and Dementia Australia events.
- Helped local businesses audit their spaces for dementia inclusion.
“Treat every customer as you would your own grandparents, clear, calm, and kind. Small gestures mean the world when memory doesn’t cooperate.”
His lived experience now underpins the company’s four-pillar roadmap to inclusion.
The Four Pillars of a Dementia-Friendly Workplace
“Demetia is unlike many other diseases, it doesn’t show and let you know, but there are certain signs to pick up on,” shared Bill.
- Staff Awareness & Training
We created evidence-based internal dementia awareness training slides to deliver practical workshops. Mixed with Bill’s insights, we share real-life scenarios, helping colleagues spot early signs and communicate with empathy. - Safe & Supportive Environments
Understand that simple environmental tweaks make a difference:
- Replacing black entrance mats (which can appear like holes).
- Adding high-contrast edging to stairs and steps.
- Installing clear, uncluttered signage at eye level.
- Respectful Customer Engagement
- Knock, greet by name, and explain each step before entering a room.
- Warn customers before loud drilling or glass removal.
- Finish every visit with: “Is there anything else I can help with – rubbish, lightbulb, gate latch?”
- Flexible Employment Practices
We offer carer-friendly scheduling, and no-fuss medical leave. The goal is to retain valued staff while supporting carers and anyone managing early cognitive changes.
How Your Business Can Start Today
- Listen to lived experience: Invite speakers or employees who can share their stories.
- Make micro-changes first: Contrast stair colours, clear signage, quieter waiting areas.
- Use expert resources: Dementia Australia offers awareness trainings and workplace programmes.
- Share your commitment: Blogging or posting on LinkedIn about what are your policies or practices that helps raise awareness, normalise the conversation and inspire peers.
By embedding dementia awareness into everything from staff training to sites, True Blue Glass is repairing more than windows, we’re fixing the gap between the community and misunderstanding. This initiative also shapes an inclusive, respectful community. If you’re ready to begin your own journey toward a dementia-friendly workplace, explore resources at Dementia Australia.
If you are a customer or a carer who is reading this blog, you are more than welcome to drop in for a chat to find out more about our services that tailored to your needs.
