Extra help for those withsevere dementia

BENDIGO Health has opened a new nine-bed Specialist Dementia Care Program unit at Simpkin House in North Bendigo.

More than $4 million in funding from the Federal Government will allow the unit to provide care for people with “very severe” symptoms of the condition, such as physical aggression or other challenging behaviours, until 2028-29.

The establishment of the unit is reported to be the next step towards a national network of 35 units, with a further six to come online this year.

People who qualify for the program can access any facility nationwide, based on their own preferences and their family’s.

Overall, the Government has allocated $740 million over four years to 2026-27 for programs to support people living with dementia and their carers, as well as to enhance dementia data.

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said specialist dementia care is essential to supporting people living with the condition, their families and carers, to get high-quality, skilled and dementia-informed aged care services.

“The program provides best-practice, person-centred care for people exhibiting very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia,” she said.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the unit is a significant step towards providing the necessary support and care those living with very severe symptoms of dementia need.

“Simpkin House will provide residents with intensive, supportive care to help them manage their symptoms, so that they can then transition into a mainstream aged care residence of their choice,” she said.