Specialist dementia care success in Qld

Anglicare Southern Queensland's Abri Residential Aged Care Home in Southport only opened it's specialist dementia unit in May of this year, but has already made a profound impact on the lives of older Queenslanders with complex care needs.

The unit was established as part of the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP), a federal government initiative aimed at providing more accessible specialised care to older people living with severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia that may be beyond the capacity of mainstream residential facilities.

Anglicare SQ chief operating officer of aged and community services Kane Singh said the need for specialised care is growing.

“Programs like the SDCP are already proving to be an invaluable asset for families,” he said.

“The SDCP helps people living with dementia by reducing or stabilising their behaviour or psychological symptoms in a dedicated, dementia-friendly environment with the end goal of supporting them to move to a less intensive, mainstream care setting when they no longer require these specialist services.

“While most residents stay an average of 6 to12 months, every journey is different. The program offers a personalised approach with care plans and durations tailored to each individual. Our dedicated nurses work alongside geriatricians and other practitioners to deliver best-practice care every day.”

Anglicare SQ will soon build upon Abri SDCP's success, adding a nine-bed unit to the E.M Tooth Residential Aged Care Home in Manly.

Victor Yates is one of the up to eight residents receiving specialised short-term support at Abri SDCP. His wife, Susan, said access to the program has been life-changing for both of them.

“Vic’s wellbeing and behaviour has completely shifted for the better since being moved to the Abri SDCP earlier this year,” Mrs Yates said.

“Before Abri, his previous place of care had him on an incredibly high amount of medication just to manage his needs. He wasn’t able to follow a normal routine or do simple things like spend time outside in the sun. That’s when we knew he needed specialised care.”

A person is eligible for SDCP support if their dementia symptoms include behaviours such as aggression, heightened agitation, severe depression, anxiety or suicidality, or constant vocalisation. SDCP is available to individuals whose symptoms have lasted over three months and when other specialist services have not been able to reduce severe symptoms of dementia and improve quality of life.

“The attention and tailored support he’s received through the Abri SDCP has been fantastic. His mood improved, his appetite came back, and he’s been transitioned out of the SDCP into Abri’s mainstream care thanks to this improvement,” Mrs Yates said.

“His medication has been reduced which is wonderful and just knowing he has a great routine now, where he can spend time outside in the garden to soak up the sun is terrific.

“It’s just extraordinary to see such a positive change in him. He was even named Resident of the Month recently! The team at Abri say he’s thriving in the mainstream care.”

The SDCP Program aims to establish 35 SDCP units across Australia, with many of those already operating or scheduled to open before the end of the year.

Future SDCP funding rounds will be advertised on GrantConnect. To find out more visit Dementia Support Australia.