The president of Alzheimer's Australia says the majority of nursing homes struggle to provide appropriate care to people with dementia.
Within weeks of entering residential care some dementia patients became almost "unrecognisable in terms of their physical, mental and emotional welfare" to their family and friends.
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"More than one-quarter of residents are chemically restrained with anti-psychotic medications without their consent or the consent that's legally required from a member of their family," she told the National Press Club today.
It was unacceptable the practice occurred in Australia because it put elderly people at risk of increased cognitive impairment, strokes and falls.
"Perhaps there could be no better area than this for a class action," Ms Buttrose said.
There also was a lack of residential care places for people with high-care needs and extra staff training was needed on dementia.
Dealing with behavioral problems was challenging for aged care facilities.
People were doing their best but it was not good enough, Ms Buttrose said.
"I've seen people in nursing homes tied to their chairs because the staff don't want them to go wandering," Ms Buttrose said, adding that she had not personally seen people being given anti-psychotic drugs but knows it occurs.
Asked if it was a failure of regulation she said: "Yes I'm suggesting exactly that.
"I've been to a lot of nursing homes ... the care is not up to standard in many of them.
"The food is disgusting, you wouldn't eat it yourself."
