Specialist Dementia Care Program

UPA provides specialist dementia care at Melrose Lodge with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and in partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Dementia Support Australia (DSA).

The Rose Wing at Melrose Lodge accommodates up to nine residents who are assessed as eligible for transitional specialist dementia care.

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What does this service offer?

UPA’s specialist dementia unit has the following features:

  • The service is provided in a dedicated wing at Melrose Lodge that has been specially designed to offer a dementia-friendly living environment.
  • Staff receive extra training in best practice dementia care.
  • Care is provided in partnership with specialist support from the local hospital including a clinical nurse consultant and medical specialist.
  • We provide person-centred care tailored to each resident and their unique circumstances, background, cultural sensitivities and preferences with the goal to reduce or stabilise symptoms so they can safely transition to permanent residential care.

Who is eligible for the service?

A person is eligible for the specialist dementia unit if:

  • The person has a diagnosis of dementia.
  • The person has been assessed for government funded aged care services.
  • There are specialised needs related to severe behavioural or psychological symptoms of dementia.
  • Identified support strategies have been unsuccessful in managing or reducing symptoms.

Dementia Support Australia (DSA) assesses eligibility for the specialist dementia unit. To obtain an assessment, please contact DSA on 1800 699 799 or via their website at www.dementia.com.au. You will need written consent from the family or guardian and supporting documentation provided by the treating clinician.

Where is the service located?

The specialist dementia unit is provided in the Rose Wing at Melrose Lodge.
Melrose Lodge is conveniently located in Pendle Hill, close to the train station, amenities and Westmead Hospital.

123-157 Bungaree Rd, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 – Click here for the Google Map

How long will a resident receive specialist dementia care?

A person receiving specialist dementia care is not a permanent resident. The unit provides temporary, transitional care to stabilise and reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, which will usually be for a period of around 12 months.
A specialist team will regularly review the person to determine if specialist care is required or if they can safely transition to alternative care.

What happens if a person is eligible for the service?

If a person is eligible for the specialist dementia unit, we will start the process to determine if we can admit them into the Rose Wing at Melrose Lodge. This will depend on if we have availability and can safely care for the person with consideration of their individual needs and the needs of other residents. As part of the admission process, a resident agreement will be signed, which includes all information about the service and applicable fees and charges.

With specialist support, as the persons symptoms stabilise, staff will start preparing the resident for a move to permanent care. In partnership with the person and their family and carers, we will assist the resident to find a suitable home and support the service to continue to deliver person-centred care.