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- Older Persons Unit (OPU)
What we do
The Older Persons Unit (OPU) provides specialist inpatient mental health and wellbeing care, treatment and support for older people.
We work in partnership with people receiving care, their families, carers and supporters, recognising that each person's experiences, needs and recovery journey are unique.
Our approach is person-centred, respectful and responsive to individual needs, preferences, culture, identity, beliefs and life experiences. We encourage and support people to participate in decisions about their care, including goal setting, treatment, recovery and discharge planning.
We recognise the importance of maintaining dignity, independence and personal choice throughout a person's stay. Families, carers and supporters are involved in care and planning where appropriate, in accordance with the person's preferences, rights and relevant legislation.
Our multidisciplinary team provides 24-hour nursing and medical care, alongside access to occupational therapy, social work, dietetics, physiotherapy, interpreter services, carer consultancy and pastoral care.
Who we care for
The Older Persons Unit (OPU) provides specialist inpatient mental health and wellbeing assessment, treatment and care for people generally aged 65 years and over across the Loddon Campaspe Southern Mallee region.
The service supports older people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as people living with dementia who may be experiencing distress or changes in behaviour that require specialist assessment, care and support.
OPU provides care for people whose needs cannot currently be safely supported in a less restrictive environment.
How to access this service
Access to the Older Persons Unit is coordinated through Bendigo Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
For information, advice or assistance accessing mental health and wellbeing services, contact the Mental Health Regional Triage Service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Regional Triage Service: 1300 363 788
Resources View All Patient Resources
Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
Phone
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- Older Persons Unit (OPU)
How to refer your patient
Referral to OPU is through Mental Health Regional Triage Service on 1300 363 788 or through the Older Persons Community Mental Health Team (OPCMHT).
Referring persons are asked to provide the following information:
Any recent presentation/concerns and any new findings and recent medical investigations (Pathology, neurological testing/reports, Histology and Medical Imaging).
A list of current medications (if prescribed), relevant patient history, relevant family history, any other information pertinent and that may assist in decision making with patient, family/carer about their care and treatment.
Clinical service overview
Majority of older people are able to continue to access community based mental health services and/or main stream services. Occasionally more specialized services are required.
OPU provides inpatient treatment for persons typically aged 65 years and older with a mental illness and/or behaviours that cannot be safely managed in the community or by other aged care providers. The unit provides comprehensive assessment/planning, collaborative treatment that is recovery orientated and patient, family/carer focused.
OPU consists of 20 single bed accommodation and does provide a more intensive care area (ICA) for patients that may require higher level of care and closer monitoring.
Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
