Demystifying Dementia Support Australia (DSA)
Dementia Support Australia (DSA) is a cornerstone of dementia care services in Australia, offering a lifeline to individuals living with dementia and their care networks. Funded by the Australian Government and led by HammondCare, DSA provides 24/7 support through a multi-tiered approach. The service aims to improve the quality of life for those with dementia by providing tailored strategies to manage and reduce the impact of challenging behaviours, thereby supporting them and their carers in the community and in residential aged care settings.
The Three Tiers of DSA Support
DSA's services are structured to provide different levels of intervention based on need. These programs work cohesively to ensure a seamless and tailored support pathway for each individual. Understanding the distinct roles of each service is key to accessing the right help at the right time.
Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS)
DBMAS is the entry point for many carers and health professionals seeking guidance on less severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). It is a mobile workforce of health professionals that offers short-term case management, providing practical advice and recommendations. This service is available to people living in community, residential, and acute care settings, and is crucial for early intervention and upskilling carers.
Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT)
For more complex cases involving severe BPSD, DSA deploys its Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT). These teams are specialists in managing aggressive or highly agitated behaviours that have not responded to initial interventions. SBRT primarily works with residents in Commonwealth-funded aged care facilities to provide intensive support and develop specialised strategies to stabilise the person's behaviour, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved.
Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) Needs Based Assessment
DSA is responsible for assessing eligibility for the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP). The SDCP offers a unique, transitional care model in small, specialised units for individuals with very severe BPSD. It is designed for people who cannot be adequately cared for in a standard residential setting. The goal is to stabilise their symptoms over a temporary period, typically around 12 months, with the aim of transitioning them to a less intensive environment once their behaviours are better managed.
Accessing DSA Services
Referrals to DSA can be made by a variety of sources, including family members, residential care home staff, GPs, hospitals, and other health professionals. The process typically starts with a 24/7 helpline, where a specialist dementia consultant will triage the case to determine the most appropriate level of support. A Needs Based Assessment may be required for entry into the SDCP, which involves a comprehensive, face-to-face evaluation by a DSA consultant to determine eligibility based on the severity of BPSD and prior interventions.
The Benefits of DSA's Holistic Approach
DSA's support extends beyond simply managing challenging behaviours. It is based on a person-centred, relationship-centred approach that recognises the individual needs of the person living with dementia and the profound impact on their carers. Key benefits include:
- Practical, Hands-on Support: Consultants provide tailored, evidence-based strategies that can be implemented immediately.
- Reduced Carer Stress: Expert guidance helps families and professional carers feel more equipped and less isolated when dealing with challenging behaviours.
- Improved Quality of Life: By stabilising difficult behaviours, the service helps improve the overall well-being and safety of the person with dementia.
- Capacity Building: DSA offers up-skilling to aged care providers, creating a more knowledgeable and capable workforce.
DSA's Place in the Broader Aged Care Landscape
As a nationally funded service, DSA works in conjunction with other aged care programs to provide a comprehensive support network. It acts as a specialist resource for situations that may overwhelm general care providers, filling a critical gap in the support ecosystem. DSA's focus on behaviour management complements broader aged care services that address routine care, health, and social engagement.
The Importance of Seeking Expert Assistance
Attempting to manage complex dementia behaviours without expert guidance can be incredibly difficult and stressful. DSA provides an essential avenue for expert intervention, ensuring that both the person with dementia and their carers receive the best possible support. Timely referral can prevent a situation from escalating, leading to a better outcome for everyone involved. For a comprehensive overview of their services, you can visit the official Dementia Support Australia website.
Dementia Support Australia: Nationwide, 24-hour dementia help
Comparison of Dementia Support Services
| Feature | DBMAS (Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service) | SBRT (Severe Behaviour Response Teams) | Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Behaviours | Mild to moderate behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). | Severe BPSD, including aggression, agitation, and extreme distress. | Very severe BPSD not responsive to other services, requiring transitional care. |
| Delivery Method | Short-term case management; mobile health professionals provide on-site advice. | Intensive, expert intervention teams deployed to residential facilities. | Time-limited, specialised transitional care in dedicated residential units. |
| Location | Community, residential care, and acute care settings. | Commonwealth-funded residential aged care facilities. | Small, specialised units within existing residential aged care homes. |
| Access | Via the 24/7 DSA helpline. | Via the 24/7 DSA helpline. | Requires eligibility assessment conducted by DSA. |
| Objective | Up-skill carers, provide practical strategies, and prevent escalation of behaviours. | Stabilise severe behaviours that pose a risk to the individual or others. | Reduce and stabilise symptoms to enable a successful transition to a lower-level care setting. |
Conclusion
In summary, understanding what is DSA in aged care is vital for anyone navigating dementia support. It represents a nationally coordinated and specialised system designed to address the challenging behaviours associated with dementia, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for all affected. From early intervention with DBMAS to intensive support with SBRT and transitional care via the SDCP, DSA provides a comprehensive and crucial service within Australia's aged care sector.
