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Background/aim:  Dementia significantly impacts on the individual’s and caregiver’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe Australian occupational therapy practice with people with dementia.

Methods:  A questionnaire was piloted and sent to occupational therapists in Australia working with people with dementia. Participants were recruited in one of three ways: (i) identified by OT AUSTRALIA as working in aged care; (ii) through dementia‐specific facilities in Australia; or (iii) through occupational therapy aged care list serves. The questionnaire asked occupational therapists about referrals received, assessments and interventions used, perceived barriers to the delivery of interventions and perceived educational needs. Data were analysed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results:  One hundred and thirty‐four occupational therapists responded to this survey. Referrals …