The aged-care sector is in shock after the federal government’s sudden decision to cut funding for dementia patients.
The decision to axe the dementia and severe behaviours supplement (DSBS) means federal funding of $16.50 per resident per day will be abolished on July 31, with an immediate impact for 2645 Hume and Whittlesea residents in aged-care accommodation.
Aged-care agencies report the decision was made without any industry consultation or revision. Leading Age Services Australia Victorian president Ingrid Williams said the decision was a huge blow to those living with dementia and their families.
“Some of our most vulnerable elderly people – those living with dementia – and their families will be directly impacted by this disgraceful decision by government to indirectly reduce care and services, without consultation or justification,” Ms Williams said.
She said the immediate impact of the cuts would be that dementia patients would need to make up the funding shortfall, while aged-care providers would reassess their ability to provide for future dementia patients.
She said dementia units needed certain built-in features, and staff caring for dementia sufferers required specialist training.
A meeting of aged-care agency chief executives was called by Leading Age Services Australia last week.
Aged-care agencies have vowed to lobby the government to reconsider its decision.
“The entire Australian community should be outraged,” Melbourne’s Jewish Care chief executive, Bill Appleby, said.
“This type of decision-making is creating an unaffordable moral deficit in Australia, with decisions solely based on money and not the principles of a good society.”
Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield said the funding decision was not taken lightly by the goverment.
“Sadly, due to poor design by the previous government, the supplement exceeded its budget ten-fold, costing around $110 million rather than the budgeted $11.7 million,” he said. “The government remains committed to providing support to people with dementia.”
