The Specialist Dementia Care Program in Australia: Evidence to date on a home-like model of care for people with very severe behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia

Abstract

Objectives

Behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have a serious impact on care and health outcomes, such as inappropriate pharmacotherapy and impaired quality of life. These symptoms are common across care settings but are more prevalent in residential aged care homes (RACHs). BPSD such as aggression and psychosis may pose a high risk of harm to residents, co-residents, caregivers and families, and the severe forms of these BPSD are linked to RACH premature admission. When people with very severe BPSD in Australia cannot be cared for in mainstream RACHs, the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) is offered. This article describes the SDCP model of care and examines the available evidence on SDCP outcomes.

Methods

The SDCP model of care delivers person-centred care via multidisciplinary staff in small, ‘cottage-like’, domestic units with a familiar, dementia-friendly care environment for an anticipated duration of 12  months. SDCP units are designed to stabilise or reduce BPSD, facilitate transition to mainstream RACHs, prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and minimise health-care costs.

Results

Preliminary evidence suggests that SDCP units may enhance resident outcomes, decrease the severity of BPSD and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

This article highlights the importance of prioritising the type of care this program provides to people with very severe BPSD.