New aged-care services
More than 600 residents from 23 aged-care facilities across the Wimmera will now have access to new psychological therapy services.
Grampians Community Health is the lead provider of the service, funded through Western Victoria Primary Health Network.
The group will provide the services across Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires and Horsham district.
Project officer Anthea Perry said agedcare centres had welcomed the program.
“Aged-care facilities have been asking for this kind of service for a long time and believe it will be of great benefit to residents,” she said.
“It’s not uncommon for aged-care residents to have issues around anxiety and depression and their mental health needs to be a priority.”
The psychological therapy services are aimed at residents with diagnosed mild or moderate mental illness such as anxiety and depression and people assessed as being at risk of developing mental illness.
They will include face-to-face support and advice to help people tackle mental illness, group sessions and capacity to access telehealth if COVID-19 restrictions are in place or a resident prefers this option.
They are designed to give residents access to services similar to those available in the community and will include evidence-based, client-centred short-term therapies delivered by mental-health professionals.
Ms Perry said a significant number of residents in aged-care facilities were likely to experience anxiety and depression.
She said some might have significant transition and adjustment issues and there
had been increased anxiety and depression associated with COVID-19 restrictions.
“Without a doubt COVID-19 has had a big impact on mental health, particularly through the loss of contact with family and friends and even with volunteers,” she said.
“This has put a lot of pressure on teams looking after residents, so aged-care providers hope these interventions will have a positive effect.
“Mental health plays a significant role in our overall wellbeing and having these supports in place will be very beneficial.”
Clinical care manager at Minyip’s Dunmunkle Lodge Meredith Knoop said it was exciting to have Grampians Community Health offer psychological therapy
services to residents. “Mental health is a large part of today’s society and historically there have been limited services to support people in residential aged care,” she said.
“We believe this program will enrich the lives of our residents and offer a platform to address any mental-health issues and reduce anxiety and depression.”
Clinician Cass Roberts has been appointed to a counselling role and Grampians Community Care will fill another full-time position soon.
The service started accepting referrals from July 1. People interested in accessing the service can call Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400.