Severe Behaviour Response Team (SBRT)

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Severe Behaviour Response Team

Get support fast when someone you know or care for is experiencing behaviours that impact their care – this includes severe behaviours and psychologial symptoms of dementia.

Specialist support when you
need it most

When someone experiences severe behaviours or psychological symptoms as a result of dementia, you need support fast. Our 24/7 mobile Severe Behaviour response Team (SBRT) responds within 48 hours on the ground, and offers tailored advice and strategies to address individual needs.

We get to know and understand the person with tailored approaches - working closely with the person living with dementia, aged care staff and specialists to implement them. We check in regularly and offer ongoing advice for as long as it takes to make sure the person is comfortable.

Who is SBRT suitable for?

SBRT is for people living with dementia who are experiencing severe behaviours or psychological symptoms as a result of dementia and reside in a Commonwealth funded approved residential care home, or a multi-purpose or flexibly funded service.

What services does
SBRT include?

The purpose of SBRT is to help improve people’s quality of life.

We do this through:

24/7 phone support.
Fast phone or in-person assessment of the person living with dementia and their environment.
Involving the care/support network to understand the person with dementia and their needs, including their background and life experiences.
Highly personalised advice and strategies.
Information that is tailored to care plans which can inform your Behaviour Support Plans.
On-going support and guidance to implement the recommendations.
Increasing staff knowledge through modelling strategies and recommendations.
Additional staffing support and brokerage to trial new interventions.
Access to current research and guidelines.
Referrals to other DSA services.

The Profile of Australian clients accessing SBRT services

The Severe Behaviour Response Teams are a 24/7 mobile service for people with dementia who are experiencing severe behaviours or psychological symptoms of dementia.

Of SBRT clients are female, with an average age of 81.

Of dementia clients have Alzheimer's disease, making it the most common type of dementia.

Of referrals are due to physical aggression in the client.

Of referrals goals have been met.

Reduction in total severity on the NPI**

Reduction in carer distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to refer to SBRT?

The Severe Behaviour Response Team works where there is a heightened risk to the person living with dementia, or their care network – across residential care. Our experienced consultants will assess the person, their background, experiences and needs and advise you on which services will best support them and their carers.

What is the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for any DSA service, the person requiring support must:

Have a diagnosis of (or is suspected of having) dementia.
Experience behaviours as a result of their dementia that impact their care.
Agree to receive DSA services (or have the consent of their nominated person responsible for their care).

Contact us to find out if the person you know or care for is eligible.

How much does SBRT cost?

SBRT is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and is a free service.

What are the goals of SBRT?

The goals of SBRT is to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. It aims to do this by supporting people with dementia, staff and carers in residential care settings.

Why is SBRT important?

Everyone experiences dementia differently, so it is important to respond to each person’s needs with an individual approach.

By partnering with the person living with dementia and their care network, SBRT works to understand the causes that led to changes in behaviour.

How to get started

If you know or care for someone with dementia who is experiencing behaviours, simply call our 24-hour helpline on 1800 699 799, fill out the referral form or chat with us now. Our experienced consultants will be able to determine whether SBRT is suitable.

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