CONTACT DETAILS
Hours:   24 hours, 7 days a week
Location:  8 Gibson St., Bendigo
Phone:   (03) 5441 5742
The reception office is open from 8.30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Simpkin House is a specialist 40-bed secure dementia facility catering for people who display challenging behaviours.  Simpkin House has four wings - each wing has 10 single bedrooms with ensuites. All bedrooms have large windows with views of the garden. There are large outside areas to support wandering residents with winding paths.The length of stay for clients can vary depending on

the need for specialist behaviour management. During day light hours for each resident's security, codes are required to be put into security pads before accessing or leaving the home. Entry after business hours is obtained by ringing the front doorbell.

Care is delivered by qualified registered nurses trading 24 hours. Staff are highly skilled in caring for and managing clients with challenging behaviours. Food, laundry and environmental staff are responsible for the delivery of food, washing of personal clothing and keeping the environment exceptionally clean and pleasant to live and work.

Residents are actively involved in decision making. They are encouraged to be instrumental in initiating quality improvement activities. Simpkin House has lifestyle workers, and a wonderful team of volunteers. A calendar of activities, outings and special events is planned each month. The activity program is designed to be therapeutic and provides the opportunity for stimulation and meaningful social interaction whilst encouraging clients to express their individuality and independence. Input and participation by family members in the activity program is welcome and appreciated.

The home is fully compliant with aged care accreditation standards, EQuIP and the mental health standards.

Simpkin House also has a carers support group to support carers in understanding the dementia process.

Service access/entry criteria:

Simpkin House provides residential care to older people who require high-level care and who cannot be managed in other accommodation. The person must be a wanderer or have challenging behaviour. Clients need to be assessed by Aged Persons Mental Health Service as well as by the Aged Care Assessment Service and must have a current Aged Care Client Record.

Referrals:

Clients need to be assessed by Aged Persons Mental Health Service as well as by the Aged Care Assessment Service.

Fees:

Most residents will pay a combination of several fees and charges. Fees are calculated and regulated by the government. As part of your application you will be required to supply the home with your financial asset information so calculation can be made to ascertain what charges and fees you will be required to pay. Please call our Resident Services advisor on (03) 5454 9374 for more details.