New response scheme for dementia residents
The federal government has announced an alternative program to the Dementia and Severe Behaviour Supplement which will establish Severe Behaviour Response Teams within the original funding envelope of the previous supplement.
The federal government will establish specialist response teams or ‘flying squads’ to support aged care residents experiencing severe dementia-related behavioural and psychological symptoms.
A $54.5 million initiative to support Australians experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) was announced by Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield.
The logistics of the operations of the Severe Behaviour Response Teams will need to be carefully planned to ensure residents and aged care providers in all parts of Australia receive adequate support to ensure the ongoing management of this important cohort of residents.
Adjunct Professor John G Kelly, AM, chief executive of Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA), says the idea of Severe Behaviour Response Teams has merit but whether they can provide resources and expertise quickly enough to circumstances in regional, rural and remote areas will need monitoring.
“If this is a city-centric fix to a large problem, it will disadvantage many people with severe behaviours all across Australia,” Professor Kelly says.
“This alternative to the oversubscribed Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement came out of the Ministerial Dementia Forum held late last year.
“While it was clear to ACSA and others in the sector that the supplement's budget would be overspent, there was unanimous support across the sector for the need for greater support for people with severe behaviours. This need did not disappear when the funding was withdrawn,” he says.
“Roaming teams of experts may work in the first instance but building capacity across the sector through a whole of workforce approach needs to be part of the future workforce development policy and funding.
“The review of current dementia services, which cost $132 million, is welcome as many aged care providers have considerable expertise in this area.
“The government needs to consider also further funding the appropriate internal expertise to work with residents on an ongoing basis. This may be considered as a component of the national workforce strategy.”
Many residential aged care providers expressed disappointment over the federal government’s “serious disregard” for people with dementia with the decision to axe the Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement, which ceased from 31 July last year.
As another voice of the age services industry, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) also welcomes any funding that supports aged care residents.
“LASA is acutely aware of the need for government funding to reach every consumer as these people are literally Australia’s most vulnerable and their care and protection must be our utmost priority,” says Patrick Reid, LASA chief executive.
LASA continues to strongly support a case management approach that assists in the capacity and capability building at service level rather than seeing an ad hoc, problem solving approach that does not necessarily impart knowledge and skill.
There is a risk that the specialist response teams will simply be a 'quick fix' with no enduring increase in skill levels for those dealing with severe behaviours.
“LASA is pleased that our advocacy pushing for a review of the effectiveness of the remaining dementia programs and their $130 million in funding has been announced,” Mr Reid says.
“As always LASA will continue to provide provider expertise and use the experience of our frontline staff to provide co-design advice in support of our most vulnerable Australians.
“A responsive and supported industry working with consumers and their carers will ensure every consumer in need receives funding. LASA will continue its advocacy in this regard and monitor that any new funding is equitable and accessible,” he says.
Alzheimer’s Australia welcomes the announcement of the replacement scheme for the dementia and severe behaviour supplement.
The government will be funding the development of ‘Severe Behaviour Response Teams’ to provide support to aged care facilities that are caring for people with dementia.
Graeme Samuel, president of Alzheimer’s Australia, says: “This is a great initiative that will be welcomed by everyone who is aware of the difficulties associated with dementia and aged care. Announcements of this kind provide much needed national leadership in tackling dementia.”
Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive, Carol Bennett, adds: “This is a good result for people with dementia and their families, It is even better that this measure has been developed in consultation with the sector and consumers.”
The government has indicated the replacement scheme fits within the original funding envelope of $54.5 million over four years.
It will enable the ‘Severe Behaviour Response Teams’, a mobile workforce of clinical experts, to travel to residential aged care facilities and provide the assistance needed for the most vulnerable in our community. It is hoped the initiative will lead to a reduction in the use of physical and chemical restraints.
The government has acknowledged that this is only one part of a longer term strategy to support people with dementia who experience behavioural symptoms.
