Expanded psychological services for aged care residents
A psychological program has been expanded to provide support to older people in the Cairns, Townsville and Mackay regions.
According to the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Health Needs Assessment 2022–2024, older people with psychogeriatric care needs can find it hard to access care outside hospitals, and those with mental health challenges in aged care or disability settings struggle to access mental health services.
To help address this issue, NQPHN said seven providers will deliver the Psychological Therapies in RACHs program to residents experiencing mental health challenges.
The expanded program recognises the specialist nature of working with older people residing in homes and the importance of residential aged care home (RACH) staff, as well as the person’s family members and friends, when delivering the services.
NQPHN Interim Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the PHN was dedicated to implementing the program in collaboration with RACHs, residents and their families, staff, and service providers.
“Elderly residents in aged care homes often don’t have access to mental health services as part of their care, despite a high rate of mental health challenges,” Tooth said.
“The successful providers will engage in co-design activities with the aged care homes in their region to ensure services meet the specific needs of older people.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure individuals living in residential homes are placed at the centre of their own health and wellbeing, and experience improved care and mental health.”
Mental health service provider North & West Remote Health (NWRH) will deliver the service across Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
NWRH CEO John Cain said NWRH had delivered psychological support services to North Queensland aged care home residents for many years.
“This time in a person’s and family’s life can be very challenging and we hope to make a positive impact with meaningful connections and tailored supports for all involved,” Cain said.
“Our clinicians are trained and supported to provide psychological services within a unique context specific to aged care and residential settings.”
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