Older Persons Unit (OPU)

What we do

It is our aim to work in partnership with patients, family and carers to support their recovery, recognising that this journey will be different for everyone. With this in mind we encourage you to participate in all aspects of the care and treatment we provide.

Person centred care and treatment considers each person in relation to their age, gender, religion, culture, language and any other special needs.  We actively support and promote a recovery-focussed approach to care for each person and encourage participation in goal setting, treatment, care, recovery and discharge planning.

We offer a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service that includes 24 hour nursing and medical care, occupational therapy, social work, dietician service, physiotherapy, interpreter service, carer consultancy and pastoral care.

Who we care for

Older Person’s Unit provides psychiatric assessment, management and treatment for people usually (but not exclusively) over the age of 65 in the Loddon Campaspe Southern Mallee region  who are experiencing symptoms associated with mental illness or,  who present with behavioural problems associated with their dementia that cannot be managed in a less restrictive environment.

How to access this service

Mental Health Regional Triage Service provides 24-hour access to mental health services across the region and can be contacted on 1300 363 788.

Commonly asked questions

What should I bring to hospital?
Medicare card, Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one) and please bring your private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it).

To assist with your treatment and care please bring any information on adverse drug alert card (if you have one), previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports and medicines you need to take while you are here along with a list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes). It is important that you include medicines you have bought without a prescription such as, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Don’t forget your glasses, hearing aid, walking frame, dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes. Bring your personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving cream, shaver, toothpaste and deodorant and something to do like a book, a magazine or an iPad/tablet with headphones (remember your chargers for any electronic equipment or phone).

Can I smoke?  
Bendigo Hospital is a smoke free hospital, we will support you by providing access to a Tobacco Treatment Specialist Nurse and Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Can I have visitors?
Yes, we welcomes the support of family and carers and follows the Bendigo Hospital visiting hours.