Update on the Specialist Dementia Care Program
The Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) supports people with severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia who cannot be cared for in a mainstream residential aged care facility.
Under the SDCP, a prototype unit began operation in Inglewood, Perth in September 2019. As a result of the SDCP’s first funding round a further nine units will open between January and July 2020. These units are in eight Primary Health Network regions:
- Adelaide
- Australian Capital Territory
- Brisbane North
- Brisbane South
- Hunter New England and Central Coast
- North Western Melbourne
- North Queensland
- South Eastern Melbourne.
Referrals can now be made via the online form on the Dementia Support Australia website to the SDCP units in:
- Brisbane South (Upper Mt Gravatt)
- Adelaide (Felixstowe)
- Hunter New England and Central Coast (Cardiff)
- South Eastern Melbourne (Caulfield)
- Perth North (Inglewood).
We will provide details about the remaining five units in due course.
For more information and eligibility requirements please visit the department’s website.
Commencement date on Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) assessments
Approved providers are reminded of their responsibility under the Aged Care Act 1997 that the commencement date of an assessment used to support an ACFI appraisal must be identified on the document.
More information on the ACFI assessment 7 day rule can be found on the new ACFI website or in the ACFI additional information sheets.
COMPASS website and 1800ElderHelp (1800 353 374) line
A new online resource to better understand and address the issue of elder abuse is now available.
The COMPASS – Guiding Action on Elder Abuse website makes it easy for consumers to get the information they need, when they need it.
The website has been funded by the Attorney-General’s Department and developed by Elder Abuse Action Australia in line with the Australian Government’s commitment under The National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians (Elder Abuse) 2019-2023.
Information available on the website includes:
- recognising elder abuse
- help for people experiencing elder abuse
- how to respond if you suspect an older person is experiencing elder abuse.
The COMPASS website will be regularly expanded and updated, with greater functionality and service sector resources to come in mid-2020.
In addition, a free 1800ElderHelp (1800 353 374) phone line has been established by the Australian Government in collaboration with state and territory governments, and is available to provide free and confidential support.
Attached is the A3 poster to promote the 1800ElderHelp (1800 353 374) phone line. Providers and assessors are encouraged to print and display the poster. Please note, it is not currently available in hard copy.