Person-centred care at the heart of Bendigo Health Residential Services

BENDIGO Health’s residential care facilities support older people to live with dignity, connection and choice.

For more than 160 years, Bendigo Health has been an integral part of the Bendigo community, providing care shaped around the individual, not a routine.

Today, that legacy continues across its five residential care facilities: Carshalton House, Golden Oaks Nursing Home, Joan Pinder Nursing Home, Simpkin House and Stella Anderson Residential Care.

Person-centred care sits at the core of daily practice, with staff taking time to understand each resident’s life story, preferences and daily rhythm, tailoring care to reflect what matters most to them.

Whether residents are staying for respite or living permanently in care, the focus remains on creating a safe, respectful and genuinely home-like environment.

Director of Nursing at Gibson Street Group, Suzie McNamara, said Bendigo Health’s residential services share a consistent philosophy.

“Care should respect individuality, support independence where possible, and recognise the person behind the care needs,” Ms McNamara said.

“Through this approach, Bendigo Health continues its long-standing commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality residential care for the community.”

Lifestyle programs play an important role in supporting social connection, emotional wellbeing and independence.

Activities are flexible and guided by resident choice, ranging from small social gatherings such as coffee groups and bingo to quieter moments with music, arts or shared conversations.

Community outings and time spent in familiar places around Bendigo also help residents maintain a connection to the life they know.

At Joan Pinder Nursing Home, lifestyle coordinator Lynn plays a key role in creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction. Her days are spent organising activities that encourage connection and enrich residents’ lives.

“I’ve always loved working with the elderly. I respect them and I just adore them,” Lynn said.

Activities include concerts, bingo, lawn bowls and special celebrations.

One of Lynn’s favourite initiatives is the intergenerational program, which connects residents with a local kindergarten.

“It keeps them busy, gets them out of their rooms and socialising with other people,” she said.

Families consistently highlight the genuine care shown by staff across all roles, from nursing, allied health and lifestyle teams to environmental services and volunteers. This reflects the strong culture of care that defines Bendigo Health’s residential services.

Discover how Bendigo Health’s person-centred approach can make a difference for your loved one. Phone 1300 545 643 or visit bendigohealth.org.au/ResidentialCare

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