RIR aims to assist residents to remain in their own environment. It is a consultative service that offers prompt assessment and short-term support to prevent admissions to acute care where appropriate and no cost.

About

The RIR team is in addition to existing service providers and consists of specialist nurses and a nurse practitioner.

The team is able to access other services and discipline according to the need of the resident. Residential in Reach liaise closely with GPs.

Access to the program

Access to the program is through contact with the RIR care coordinator, either by phone or fax.

Consent is required from the resident, their family or the GP to ensure eligibility. Notification from Aged Care Facility staff regarding a client being sent or returning from hospital can facilitate RIR involvement.

Eligibility

All residents of all Residential Aged Care Facilities in Bendigo.

Residents will be assessed by the RIR coordinator and prioritised according to acuity.

What are our services?

The services our in-reach team can provide include, but are not limited to, are:

  • Physical Assessment at the Residential Aged Care Facility
  • Advanced Care planning
  • Examination post fall
  • PEG advice & management/care
  • Indwelling catheter/supra-pubic catheter management & advice
  • Wound consultancy
  • In service education
  • Palliative care
  • Intravenous access and antibiotics administration
  • Dehydration assessment & management
  • Bowel management

Cost

The Residential In Reach service is provided by Bendigo Health free of charge.

Operating hours

Seven days a week from 7am-9pm.

Bendigo Health Foundation

Level 3, Bendigo Hospital

Location

100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550

Phone

03 5454 6000

How to refer your patient

Referrals can be made 24 hours a day by phoning 0428 173 482. Messages can be left at this number, and will be addressed during service operating hours.

We would also appreciate messages left on this number for residents that need to be transferred to ED for assessment and treatment. 

Bendigo Health Foundation

Level 3, Bendigo Hospital

Location

100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550

Phone

03 5454 6000