The Abbott Government has been unable to provide details about the dementia “flying squads” in Senate Estimates.
The Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT), referred to by the sector and Department alike as “flying squads,” will replace the Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement (DSBS), axed by the Abbott Government over seven months ago.
Senate Estimates heard that the “flying squads” were an experimental measure, having been untested or tried anywhere around the world.
To date the Abbott Government has been unable to provide details on the composition, capacity or even the function of the SBRTs.
Labor remains concerned with the Abbott Government’s band-aid approach to dementia care.
The Abbott Government has to provide certainty for the aged care sector, for those living with dementia as well as their carers and loved ones.
The “flying squad” concept was first raised at the Ministerial Dementia Forum in September 2014, and was one of eight options raised by forum attendees.
To date, no one has been able to explain why the existing Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) could not be expanded to take in severe behaviours.
Labor has called on the Abbott Government to provide details on the “flying squads” including:
• Will they primarily support providers or deal with individual resident’s behaviours?
• What capacity will they have to service remote, rural and regional communities?
• Will they be available on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis?
• Will they be deployed on an ad hoc basis or a needs basis?
• How will they interact with DBMAS?
• What happens if demand is significant and the funding runs out?
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGEING
MEMBER FOR BLAIR
SENATOR HELEN POLLEY
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR AGED CARE
SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
Shayne Neumann, Helen Polley
