Services & Departments

The Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) supports people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia who cannot be cared for in a mainstream residential aged care facility. The service is aimed at those who live with very severe dementia complicated by physical aggression or other behaviours whose residential care facility or carers cannot manage the behaviours, even with help from other services.

What is the Specialist Dementia Care Program?

The program aims to:

• Provide best-practice care, without restraints, in a dementia-friendly environment
• Reduce or stabilise a person’s behavioural and psychological symptoms within 12 months, on average
• Support the person’s move into less intensive care settings when they no longer need SDCP care
• Work alongside state and territory government services, Dementia Support Australia and their Severe Behaviour Response Teams
• Improve quality of life for people living with very severe dementia.

The program is funded by the Australian Government.

Where is the Specialist Dementia Care Program located?

The Specialist Dementia Care Program is located at Blakiston Lodge at the McKellar Centre.

How do I access the Specialist Dementia Care Program?

Dementia Support Australia will assess a person’s eligibility for the SDCP. This ensures a nationally consistent referral pathway for the program.

Anyone can make a referral to the SDCP by using the referral form online: https://dementia.com.au/contact/referral

Fees and charges

Fee information is available on the Fees and Trust page.

Virtual tour