More Support for People with Severe Symptoms of Dementia in Aged Care

Yesterday the Abbott Government delivered on its commitment to establish an alternative program to Labor’s Dementia Supplement, announcing an initiative to expand support for aged care residents experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. 

The announcement follows consultation with the aged care sector through the Ministerial Dementia Forum and the Aged Care Sector Committee.

The Government has announced it will invest $54.5 million over four years – the original funding envelope of the previous Dementia Supplement – to establish Severe Behaviour Response Teams.

Benetas CEO, Sandra Hills, welcomes the announcement as a step forward. 

“Since the cessation of the Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement, there has been a serious lack of support for dementia-related funding in aged care,” Ms Hills said. 

“Yesterday’s announcement represents a step forward in terms of providing support for those living with dementia however I would echo many of my colleagues’ comments in saying this does not necessarily solve all issues. 

“Minister Fifield has committed to maintaining original funding levels but addressing this issue in the long term will require greater consultation.” 

Ms Hills said the aged and community care sector must now consider this proposal in detail and work constructively with government, peak bodies and the wider community. 

“A key component of the success or failure of this proposal going forward will be the Government’s willingness to engage, consult and address issues which arise over time. 

“At present, there is a willingness from Government, the department and industry to work together which is pivotal to ongoing reform in aged and community care.”  

Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRTs) will be a mobile workforce of clinical experts who will provide timely and expert advice to residential aged care providers that request assistance with addressing the needs of people with the most severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

These teams of aged care experts will visit residents exhibiting extreme behaviours, assess the cause and advise staff on how to best care for the resident.

The first phase of the SBRTs is expected to commence nationally later this year, following a competitive tender process. The SBRTs will work closely with the existing Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services in each state and territory.

A second phase will see these two programs integrated from 2016-17.

Complementing this initiative, the Government will also conduct an analysis of existing dementia programs during the first half of 2015.