Key Takeaways:

• Only 12 out of 35 specialist dementia care units promised by Australia's federal government are operational, with another six expected by 2024.

• No cause for delay in the establishment of the units has been provided.

• Concerns exist around care for Australians with severe cognitive impairment, as dementia accounted for 4.4% of the total disease burden in 2022.

• Dementia was the second leading cause of death in Australia in 2020, contributing to 9.6% of all deaths.

• Despite these statistics, mandatory dementia training is not required for residential aged care staff.

• An independent review commissioned to assess the capability of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) as a regulator remains undisclosed, prompting transparency concerns.

• The number of Australians living with dementia is predicted to exceed 800,000 by 2058.

• Specialist Dementia Care Units (SDCUs) provide intensive, specialised care for severe dementia patients.

• Technological advancements in healthcare are reshaping the way care services are delivered, making them more accessible, efficient, and personalised.

• Tunstall Healthcare's solutions could provide significant support to dementia patients through remote monitoring, assistive technologies, emergency response services, and consulting services.

Australia's federal government had promised to have 35 specialist dementia units operating under the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) by 2023. However, only 12 units are operational, with a further six expected to open by the end of 2024, according to a health department spokesperson, and the reason for the delay in opening the units was not mentioned. 

This comes amidst concerns about the quality of care for Australians suffering from severe cognitive impairment. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says that in 2022, dementia accounted for 4.4% of the total disease burden in Australia, encompassing both the effects of living with the condition (known as the non-fatal burden) and premature death (referred to as the fatal burden). In 2020, dementia was the second most common cause of death in Australia, contributing to 9.6% of all fatalities. Despite dementia becoming the leading cause of disease burden in elderly Australians, mandatory dementia training is not required for residential aged care staff.

An independent review commissioned by the government in 2022 to assess the capability of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) as a regulator has been delivered to the government, but it has not yet been made public, leading to further concerns about transparency. The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to exceed 800,000 by 2058, according to Dr. Kaele Stokes, the executive director of advocacy and research at Dementia Australia.

What are Special Dementia Care Units?

Specialist Dementia Care Units (SDCUs) are residential facilities that provide intensive, specialised care for individuals living with severe symptoms of dementia. These units are intended for people who experience severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that are unmanageable in a mainstream residential aged care facility.

The staff at SDCUs are specially trained to manage the often complex and challenging behaviors associated with severe dementia, such as aggression or significant cognitive impairment. The objective of these units is to provide person-centred care that can help manage and potentially reduce severe BPSD, thereby enabling a person to transition to less intensive care settings.

In Australia, SDCUs were developed as part of the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) announced by the federal government in 2016 to address the growing need for specialised dementia care. However, as of your article's date in 2023, the full roll-out of these units has been delayed.

The Role of Technology in Healthcare

Technology is revolutionising healthcare, bringing unprecedented changes to the way health services are delivered and consumed. It has broken traditional boundaries, making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and personalised. From remote consultations to wearable fitness trackers, technology is reshaping healthcare in every possible way.

Other notable technological advancements include electronic health records that streamline data management and enhance coordination of care, and wearable technology, which allows for continuous health monitoring and promotes proactive health management.

In sum, technology is playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare, promising a future where care is more accessible, personalised, and effective than ever before.

How can Tunstall Help People with Dementia?

Tunstall Healthcare's solutions could greatly benefit those with dementia. Our remote patient monitoring systems can track vital signs and behaviors, sending alerts for any significant changes. Assistive technologies, including GPS trackers and automated reminders, can enable individuals with dementia to maintain independence. 

In emergencies, Tunstall's response centres in Australia and New Zealand provide immediate assistance, triggered by a help button or a concerning pattern detected via remote monitoring. Our consultancy services offer guidance to patients and caregivers, potentially prolonging independent living for those with dementia. By collaborating with government, retirement communities, and care organisations, we ensure comprehensive and continuous care, tailored to evolving needs. 

Contact us to find out more about our products and services.

Conclusion

While the challenges of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of dementia are considerable, technology offers a beacon of hope. The ongoing advancements in healthcare technology underline an optimistic future where the quality of life for older adults is significantly enhanced, and their unique healthcare needs are met more efficiently and effectively. As we continue to navigate the intersection of healthcare and technology, it is clear that our commitment to innovation today will shape a healthier, safer tomorrow for our aging population.