Specialist Dementia Care Program – Established Units

The Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) is an Australian Government initiative that funds SDCP units to support people who experience very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and cannot be appropriately supported in mainstream residential aged care. The program aims to operate 55 SDCP units nationally and contributes to broader aged care objectives by providing tailored support for older people with complex care needs. This grant opportunity invites existing SDCP providers to apply for funding to continue operating established SDCP units. As the SDCP is an ongoing program, successful applicants will receive funding for a further four years to maintain service delivery in accordance with the SDCP Framework and program requirements. The grant opportunity supports the SDCP's objective of providing intensive, specialised care in dedicated dementia-friendly environments, with a focus on stabilising and reducing symptoms over time. A key aim is to support residents to transition to less intensive care settings where appropriate. The program also complements other Commonwealth-funded dementia support services, strengthens health and aged care system responses, and contributes to evidence-based best practice for people with very severe BPSD. Expected outcomes include improved wellbeing for residents and carers, reduced behavioural symptoms, minimisation of adverse events, hospital admissions and psychotropic medication use, and minimised use of restrictive practices. The program also seeks to strengthen provider capability, encourage partnerships with local health services, and share best practice learnings across the broader aged care and health sectors. To view the grant opportunity documents, please select the red "Grant Opportunity Documents" button on the left-hand side.