Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT)

Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT) provide specialist clinical support and advice to organisations and aged care staff caring for people living with severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

About SBRT

SBRT is a 24/7 mobile service that responds onsite within 48 hours. It offers free support and advice where there is a heightened risk to the person living with dementia, or their care network.

SBRT services include:

  • 24/7 phone support
  • fast phone or in-person assessment of the person living with dementia and their environment
  • involving the care/support network to understand the person with dementia and their needs, including their background and life experiences
  • highly personalised advice and strategies
  • information that is tailored to care plans which can inform your Behaviour Support Plans
  • on-going support and guidance to implement the recommendations
  • increasing staff knowledge through modelling strategies and recommendations
  • additional staffing support and brokerage to trial new interventions
  • access to current research and guidelines
  • referrals to other DSA services.

Why it is important

Everyone experiences dementia differently, so it is important to respond to each person’s needs with an individual approach.

Approved aged care providers can request SBRT assistance to address the needs of people living with severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.  SBRT will partner with the person living with dementia and their care network to understand the causes that led to changes in behaviour.

Goals

SBRT seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. This is achieved by supporting people with dementia, staff and carers in residential care settings.

Who we work with

Dementia Support Australia is the national provider of Severe Behaviour Response Teams, the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service and Needs Based Assessment. We fund these initiatives under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund.

Status

Dementia Support Australia is funded to provide SBRT until 30 June 2025.

Related information

Dementia Support Australia has resources for health care professionals and family members supporting a person living with dementia.

Contact

If you have questions, or would like more information on SBRT, contact Dementia Support Australia.

Date last updated:

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