Govt seeks input to Specialist Dementia Care Units
Monday, 04 December, 2017
The federal government聽is seeking community input on how to best implement planned new Specialist Dementia Care Units (SDCUs) for people living with severe behaviours associated with advanced dementia.
鈥淲e want to hear from individuals and organisations who have knowledge about or experience of dementia, especially an understanding of the needs and care for people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD),鈥� said Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt.
鈥淭his may include aged-care workers, health professionals, academics, peak body representatives, policymakers, people with dementia, and their families and carers.鈥�
Minister Wyatt said establishment of the units was an election promise and part of the government鈥檚 comprehensive strategy for dementia care and treatment.
The Minister said the SDCU feedback would inform advice to government on the final shape of the initiative, including funding and administrative options.
鈥淲ith an estimated 350,000 Australians already living with this condition, we understand the importance of doing everything we can to support improved dementia care, treatment and research,鈥� he said.
Once the preferred model of care and administrative arrangements are decided by government, there will be further targeted consultation with stakeholders on detailed implementation and transition strategies.
鈥淚t鈥檚 proposed that SDCUs could operate as small units, comprising eight to 12 beds, within larger residential aged-care facilities,鈥� Minister Wyatt said.
鈥淭hey will provide a person-centred, multidisciplinary approach to care for people with very severe BPSD who are unable to be appropriately cared for by mainstream aged-care services.
鈥淭he units will offer specialised, transitional residential support, focusing on reducing or stabilising symptoms over time, with the aim of enabling the person to move into a less intensive care setting.鈥�
It is projected that around one million Australians could be affected by dementia by 2050.
Stakeholders wanting to provide feedback on the SDCU initiative can visit the聽聽to read the paper and make a submission. Respondents can provide input on some, or all, of the topics and questions in the consultation paper.
People encountering any difficulties using the Hub should email聽dementia@health.gov.au聽for assistance.
The consultation period closes on 21 January 2018.
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