Bendigo Health will run the 9-bed unit at Simpkin House as part of the Specialist Dementia Care Program from April. The unit provides care for people with very severe symptoms of dementia, such as physical aggression or other challenging behaviours, and where carers or an aged care home cannot manage these behaviours, even with help from other services. 

Specialist dementia care units aim to stabilise and support each person, helping them transition into mainstream aged care homes.

The establishment of this unit is the next step towards a national network of 35 units. With the opening of Simpkin House there will be 20 units operational across Australia, with a further 6 units to come online in 2025.

People who qualify for the program can access any unit nationwide, based on their and their family’s preferences.

Since the program began in 2019, specialist dementia care units across Australia have supported 371 people.

Overall, the Government has invested $740 million over 4 years to 2026-27 for programs to support people living with dementia and their carers, and to enhance dementia data.  

The Specialist Dementia Care Program supplements the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service and the Severe Behaviour Response Teams as another level of support for people living with very severe symptoms of dementia.

Find out more about the Specialist Dementia Care Program.


Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:

“Specialist dementia care is essential to supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers, to get high-quality, skilled and dementia-informed aged care services.

“The Specialist Dementia Care program provides best-practice person-centred care for people exhibiting very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

“The increase in the number of specialist dementia care units will allow greater access to this type of care across Australia.”


Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters:

"With the establishment of this specialist dementia care unit in Bendigo, we are taking a significant step towards providing the necessary support and care for those living with very severe symptoms of dementia.

“Simpkin House will provide residents with intensive, supportive care, to help them manage their symptoms, so that they can then transition into a mainstream aged care residence of their choice.”