Australian National Aged Care Classification behaviour assessment and people living with dementia in residential aged care: Inclusive language for reform?

The BRUA is intended as a funding instrument and not as a care planning tool, yet the negative representation of the lived experience of people with dementia embedded within a mandated assessment is likely to influence industry practice by condoning unsuitable language and attitudes amongst assessors, providers and staff. For better alignment with the current positive agenda for aged care reform in Australia, we recommend continued review and updating of this tool to avoid unintended consequences.