RACGP - Specialist Dementia Care Program

Specialist Dementia Care Program

The SDCP supports people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia who cannot be cared for in a mainstream RACF. The SDCP funds specialist dementia care units in RACFs to provide this specialised care. The aim of the program is to reduce or stabilise symptoms so that people can move into less intensive care settings.

The SDCP provides:

person-centred care from staff with dementia training
support from specialist services
a small, cottage-like, dementia-friendly living environment.

The program aims to:

provide best-practice care, without restraints, in a dementia-friendly environment
reduce or stabilise a person’s behavioural and psychological symptoms within 12 months, on average
support the person’s move into less intensive care settings when they no longer need SDCP care
work alongside state and territory government services, the DBMAS and SBRTs
improve the quality of life of people living with very severe dementia.

List of SDCPs in Australia

Table 1 provides information about current SDCPs that currently exist in Australia. The Federal Government aims to establish 35 SDCP units nationally, with a unit in each of the 31 PHN regions. It is advised that you check the Department of Health and Aged Care website for updates about SDCP units.

Table 1. Specialist dementia care programs in Australia as of June 2023
State/territory	Provider
ACT	Uniting Church in Australia, Uniting Eabrai, Wilkinson Cottage, Weston, ACT Uniting Church in Australia, Uniting Eabrai, Richards Cottage, Weston, ACT
NSW	HammondCare Cardiff HammondCare, Southwood HammondCare, Horsley – anticipated operational date August 2023 HammondCare, Erina – anticipated operational date August 2023
Qld	Alzheimer’s Association of Queensland Inc., Garden City Aged Care Service, Upper Mt Gravatt Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane, St Martin’s Nursing Home, Taigum Good Shepherd Lodge Ltd, Good Shepherd Lodge, Mackay
SA	Uniting Communities Inc., Aldersgate, Felixstow HammondCare Repat Health Precinct, Daw Park
Vic	HammondCare Caulfield Wintringham, McLean Lodge Hostel, Flemington Villa Maria Catholic Homes, St Bernadette’s Residential Aged Care Facility, Sunshine North Barwon Health, Geelong – anticipated operational date October 2023 Blue Cross, Broughtonlea – anticipated operational date December 2023
WA	Brightwater Care Group, The Village Hall and Prior, McDougall Park – anticipated operational date January 2024

How to access the SDCP

Entry requirements for the SDCP are dependent on a needs-based assessment that is outlined on the Dementia Support Australia website. The website provides a process step through to assist your referral.

You can contact a Dementia Support Australia consultant on 1800 699 799 for 24 hour support for further information or make a referral on their webpage, and they will be in touch within 48 hours.

Eligibility criteria

A person is eligible for an SDCP if:

they have dementia
they have very severe behavioural or psychological symptoms of dementia, which may include:
- aggression
- severe agitation
- vocalisation, such as talking constantly, cursing or screaming
- severe depression or anxiety
- being suicidal
the behaviours have lasted at least three months
other specialist services have not been able to reduce the behaviours
they have had an ACAT assessment (refer to Part C: My Aged Care for further information about ACAT assessments).

Resources

For information about fees associated with SDCPs, see Specialist Dementia Care Program – length of stay, fees and security of tenure.
For detailed information for families, carers and those looking for specialised care and support options for people who may be exhibiting very severe behaviours associated with their dementia, see Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) – information booklet.
For an overview of the SDCP model of care, service delivery principles, administration, roles and responsibilities, see Specialist Dementia Care Program Framework.