Anglicare Southern Queensland has officially opened its third Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) unit at the E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care home in Manly in Brisbane’s south, supported by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The new unit builds on Anglicare’s growing reputation in specialist dementia care, following the establishment of SDCP units at Abri Residential Aged Care Home on the Gold Coast and St Martin’s Residential Aged Care Home in North Brisbane, which has been recognised by external stakeholders as the “gold standard” for SDCP delivery.
Anglicare Southern Queensland CEO Sue Cooke said the new unit would provide vital accommodation for residents with complex care needs.
“It’s fantastic that our E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care Home is now equipped to offer this vital program which is a first for the South Brisbane region and provides a supportive, safe environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect,” Ms Cooke said.
“In 2025 there were an estimated 85,200 people living with all forms of dementia and this figure is projected to increase to an estimated 168,300 by 2054. We recognise the growing need for this type of specialised care in Australia and these units will be an asset to the local community.
“Having two established SDCP’s under our belt has given us critical insight into what works, and our learnings have shaped every aspect of the new unit. These learnings, combined with a dedicated dementia lead overseeing the delivery and clinical management at our SDCP units, means we’re able to deliver consistent, best-practice specialised dementia care for those in need.”
The E.M. Tooth SDCP unit will provide highly tailored care for eight residents who experience severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and are unable to be effectively supported in mainstream aged care settings.
“The program delivers best-practice care through individual behaviour support and care plans and aims to reduce and/or stabilise the symptoms of dementia each individual may experience, so they can move into less intensive care settings, with an average expected resident length stay of 6-12 months,” Ms Cooke said.
“The accommodation also plays a vital role in helping free up acute hospital beds for those who need them.
“We employ specialist nurses and work with the best geriatricians and other practitioners to provide best-practice care through behaviour support and care plans.
“However, it’s important to acknowledge everyone’s journey is different, and the program offers a personalised approach with the duration of each residents stay tailored to their unique needs.”
The purpose-built unit features a small, cottage-style living environment designed to promote comfort and independence.
Open-plan layouts, homely furnishings, secure outdoor areas and calming colour schemes are incorporated into the design to help create a safe and supportive space for residents living with dementia.
