The emergency services priority helpline provides fast-tracked assistance to police when dealing with community members exhibiting high-risk behaviour, who may seem lost or disorientated.
If the person is a DSA client, SAPOL and DSA will work together to ensure they can return them to their homes and loved ones.
Helpline staff may also provide advice on behaviour management and effective ways to engage with a person who appears to have dementia.
A mandatory SAPOL online training course has also been produced for police, introducing the new helpline and outlining steps for recognising and responding to people living with dementia.
DSA, funded by the Australian Government, provides services to improve quality of life of people living with dementia, including where they are experiencing Behaviours and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).
BPSD refers to a range of non-cognitive symptoms that people living with dementia may experience including aggression, delusions, agitation, depression, vocalisations, disinhibitions and night-time behavioural disturbances.