Dementia support

Eating difficulties

Repeated calling out

Repetitive questioning

Wandering

Hoarding

Resistive to care

Unwanted sexualised behaviour

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) is a free, nationwide service, funded by the Australian Government, supporting family and health and aged care professionals to better understand and respond to individual changes in behaviour and emotions.

The service can help explain the causes for changed behaviours and identify strategies to assist the person living with dementia and their carers.

It offers specialised support, assessment, intervention, and advice to assist carers and care workers of people with dementia where behaviours may impact on their care.

The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) aims to: Improve the quality of life and care for people with dementia and their carers;

Up-skill, assist and support aged care providers in improving care for people with dementia and related behaviours; and Ensure care services for people with dementia are responsive to their individual and diverse needs and circumstances.

DBMAS has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced health care professionals such as registered nurses, social workers, clinical psychologists, geriatricians, speech pathologists, dietitians, and nurse practitioners.

Providing a nationally consistent service, DBMAS support is tailored not only for the individual but also responds to the specific and diverse needs of the community, residential, and acute environment, while building capacity and knowledge within the aged care sector.

The Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT) is a national mobile workforce of staff including nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health, and specialist staff.

They can provide timely expertise and advice to Government funded approved residential aged care providers who need assistance with addressing the needs of people with severe and very severe Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).

SBRTs can assist with: assessing the causes of the behaviours assist care staff until the immediate crisis is resolved develop a care plan to address and deal with behaviours provide follow up assistance as needed

DBMAS has procedures in place to decide when the SBRT is the best service option or when DBMAS can provide the right support.

DBMAS is committed to providing culturally sensitive and effective communication. If you require an interpreter service, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the DBMAS service.

For more information, contact DBMAS on 1800 699 799 or visit dementia.com.au

Carer support

There are over 2.5 million unpaid carers across Australia. The caring role is a valuable and rewarding job but also a tough one, often balancing work, family and friends while making sure your loved one is well looked after.

With more older Australians looking to stay at home longer, more family and friends of older people are finding themselves in a carer role than ever before.

Being a carer can have a huge impact on your life and physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being isolating at times. There are some great support options available to assist you with practical and emotional support and you may be eligible for financial support from the Australian Government.

Support groups

Caring is a very rewarding role to undertake, however, caring can also be very demanding.

Caring for somebody can nearly be a full-time job, it’s easy to become out of touch with friends or family.

Going to carer support groups provides time to relax, have some fun, and connect with others outside of your caring duties.

Community run carer support groups can offer a safe and understanding environment to talk about your caring role.

These groups may be organised around caring for someone with a particular need, such as Parkinson’s or dementia.

Support groups are an opportunity for you to connect with other carers who understand and have experienced the pressures of being a carer, and a place to share experiences and advice.

Carer support groups are completely confidential and can also help you to:

Discover new information

Go to education or training workshops

Participate and get involved in activities

Head along to relaxing outings

Counselling services

Counselling is another great option to manage some of the pressures you may experience as a carer.

A professional counsellor can provide advice on any situation you are facing, or even just listen to the struggles of everyday life.