Aged Inpatient Mental Health

Patient information

View Health Professional Information
Baringa is a 15-bed inpatient unit located at Caulfield Hospital. Here, we provide treatment to older adults experiencing severe mental ill-health. Baringa is part of the Alfred Mental and Addiction Health service.

What we do

Our ongoing treatment is adapted to meet the needs of each individual.

We support a recovery-oriented approach to care. We encourage you and your carers to participate in goal setting, treatment, care and recovery planning. This process aims to support patients to return to their community after their stay at Baringa.

Baringa provides a comfortable and supportive environment with a mix of single and double rooms. The unit has quiet areas for music and reading, a courtyard and an activities area.

We offer a comprehensive service that includes:

Who we care for

Baringa provides psychiatric treatment for people usually (but not always) over the age of 65 who:

  • Are experiencing acute symptoms associated with mental ill-health

OR

  • Who present with a range of behavioural problems associated with dementia that cannot be managed in a less restrictive environment and which require inpatient evaluation

What to expect

When you are admitted, nursing staff will provide an orientation to the unit. The doctor will attend this session. We work with your GP in the community, family members and our hospital staff throughout your stay.

The treating team closely monitors progress. We maintain regular contact with you and your family/carers throughout the person’s stay. We will arrange a family meeting to answer any questions and discuss treatment and plans for discharge (going home).

Your stay at Baringa will continue for as long as inpatient treatment and support is needed. Baringa is a short-term facility, but lengths of stay can range between a few days to several weeks, depending on your needs.

Discharge is planned and organised with you and your family/carers. On discharge, we may assign a case manager from our community team to provide follow-up support. If you already have a case manager, we encourage their input in discharge planning.

Commonly asked questions

When can we visit Baringa and how often can we visit?
What is the best phone number to call for updates?
Who will be looking after my relative/friend?
What are my rights to information?
What food and drinks can I bring in and in what containers?
Are cigarettes allowed?
Do I bring in prescription and non-prescription medications for my relative/friend?
What should I bring in for my relative/friend?
Can my relative/friend have a mobile phone, camera or computer at Baringa?
What is not permitted at Baringa?
How secure is Baringa?
​What can I expect my relative/friend to be doing at Baringa?
What happens when my relative/friend has day leave?
Do I need to pay for the care provided at Baringa?
What is the expected time for discharge from Baringa?
Can I get a Carer’s Certificate to attend appointments with my relative/friend?
Can I be informed about my relative/friends medication and potential side effects?
Who do I call if I’m concerned about my relative/friend?
Should I attend the follow-up meetings?
Can I get carer support during my relative/friend’s admission at Baringa?

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

Your doctor can call us to organise for you to access this service.

What to bring

Every time you come

  • Medicare card
  • Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
  • Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • Medications list (or the boxes), including over-the-counter supplements (e.g. herbal supplements, vitamins)
  • Glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids, as needed

For an overnight (or longer) stay

  • Dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
  • Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving equipment, toothpaste and deodorant
  • Something to do, like a book to read, a magazine or an iPad or tablet with headphones

What not to bring for an overnight (or longer) stay

  • Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
  • Valuables, such as jewellery or watches
Have feedback for us?
Connect with Alfred Health
Get in touch:
In Case Of An Emergency, Call 000