Astate of the art 11-bed Dementia Unit under construction at Boandik Lake Terrace will address a crucial aged care shortfall in the Limestone Coast region, according to the facility’s chief executive.
Boandik chief executive Pamela Alde said the $3.5m purpose-built unit, which will transform Boandik’s Moore Court precinct, features the latest technology and design features to provide the highest standard of care for people with advanced dementia.
A safe, engaging environment with natural lighting, clear wayfinding and sensory gardens will be overseen by a team of specially trained staff once the accommodation opens in May.
Dr Alde said the new unit will address a crucial need for specialist aged care services in the Limestone Coast.
“Statistics show there is a critical shortage of dementia-specific accommodation in Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast,” she said.
“Dementia care requires a specialist approach, and the new unit will significantly improve care outcomes and quality of life for local residents living with advanced forms of dementia.
“Even small details such as artworks, colour schemes and the contrast of flooring for depth perception have been carefully considered to provide a desensitising environment to enable people living with dementia to engage meaningfully with their surroundings.”
New data released by Dementia Australia shows the number of Australians living with dementia in 2026 has increased to an estimated 446,500 – a figure projected to more than double to over a million by 2065.
Project funding for the new unit was secured through the Federal Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP), with an additional $700,000 provided by Boandik.
Visiting the construction site this week with Residential Manager Jane Templer, Dr Alde said the project completion coincides with an important organisational milestone.
“2026 is a special year for Boandik – our 70th year of supporting locals and we’ll be here for another 70 as leaders in the provision of care for older people,” she said.
“This is our commitment to the Limestone Coast, in that we are expanding our level of care for local people.”
Boandik is one of the largest aged care providers in Mount Gambier with 470 staff, 220 residents, 35 retirement living residents and more than 600 community clients.
Anniversary commemorations will continue this year with a dinner dance event in August, where the organisation’s past, present and future will be celebrated.
Meanwhile, Dr Alde said a number of expressions of interest have already been made for the new accommodation, and interested persons could make an inquiry or EOI by contacting the Boandik team on livewell@boandik.org.au
“We want to help families across our region get the best and most appropriate care for their loved ones,” she said.
“The new unit will not only help bridge that existing gap in services but will ensure that older Limestone Coast residents get the care and support they deserve.”