By Dr Nicholas Lawlis
There is enormous need for support after diagnosis for people with dementia and their care partners which meet people’s individual needs and preferences while also providing opportunities for social engagement and peer support.
The Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement program, or ‘SPICE’ provides this support. Beginning in 2022, and funded by Strengthening Medicare until 2028, nearly 200 people with dementia and their care partners have completed the SPICE program in the ACT, supporting them to live well with dementia.
What does SPICE offer?
The SPICE program is a 10-week, twice weekly program for people with dementia and care partners. It uses a multi-disciplinary approach based in sound evidence. The SPICE program promotes quality of life, physical and functional capacity, and provides a toolkit of strategies and resources for the future.
The program includes:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy – An enjoyable, structured activity program for people with dementia, focused on generating new thoughts and discussion
- Care partner education – Various health professions, including pharmacologists, nurses, counsellors, and speech pathologists are there to give information and answer questions
- Physical activity programs for people with dementia and their care partners are tailored to abilities and are designed to keep people functioning at their best
- A dietitian provides up to 3 sessions giving advice tailored to each person’s specific needs
- At home occupational therapy support through the Care of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program
Where is SPICE offered?
In the ACT, the SPICE program is delivered by Canberra Health Services allied health professionals in collaboration with the University of Canberra. The program runs from northside (University of Canberra Hospital) and southside (South Tuggeranong Health Centre) locations. A variation of the SPICE program is now also available in the Southern Highlands of NSW, with the Harbison organisation offering a program at Moss Vale and and now piloting a program in Geelong, Victoria.
Who is eligible?
People with a diagnosis of dementia at mild or moderate stages and their primary care partner may be eligible to participate in the SPICE program.
Where do I get more information?
For the ACT, or for more information about this program, please phone 0495 001 809 or email the research team at [email protected].
For the Southern Highlands of NSW please phone Harbison 4868 6488 or email [email protected].
