Support for aged care residents experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia will be increased under a new initiative.

The government has announced the establishment of Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRTs), a mobile workforce of clinical experts who will provide advice to residential aged care providers.

They will visit residents exhibiting extreme behaviours, assess the cause and advise care staff on how to best care for them.

Federal Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, said the scheme would directly benefit dementia sufferers.

“It will be providing key assistance to those who need these services most and their carers,” he said.

“This announcement demonstrates that the government is listening to the concerns of the community in Paterson and we are achieving real outcomes based on this vital feedback.”

The first phase of the SBRTs is expected to start nationally later this year.

Mr Baldwin said the SBRTs could be deployed on the Myall Coast, if the aged care providers applied for the program.

“They simply need to put forward a case on why they should be supported,” he said.

Minister for Social Services, Mitch Fifield will be visiting Paterson on Tuesday, February 17 to meet with aged care stakeholders to discuss their concerns.

“Every aged care provider in my electorate will be invited,” Mr Baldwin said.