Unique wellbeing program supports 1300 older adults in residential aged care
Offering no-cost mental health and wellbeing support in Residential Aged Care Homes that is creative and tailored to the unique needs of residents.
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Older adults in residential aged care facilities are five times more likely than those living independently to experience mental health conditions.
Changing living arrangements, illness or chronic disease, loss of independence, financial stress and loneliness are just some experiences that can contribute to declining mental health in older people. Despite this, many residents are reluctant to engage in mental health programs - often due to the stigma surrounding mental health concerns.
In 2018, the Australian Government introduced the Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities Initiative and funded Primary Health Networks to address this well-documented service gap in mental health care for aged care residents.
Committed to developing a program that meets the needs of older adults, SEMPHN commissioned Better Health Network (previously Star Health) and Better Place Australia to co-design an Australian-first Wellbeing Program for Older Adults living in residential aged care homes across south east Melbourne.
For five years now, the Wellbeing Program has been offering no-cost mental health and wellbeing support in Residential Aged Care Homes that is creative and tailored to the unique needs of residents.
What’s particularly special about the Wellbeing Program is the patient-centred model of care. Social workers and psychologists work alongside residents to better understand their worries or concerns and guide them to find activities or opportunities that bring them joy. The sessions are delivered one on one in a safe location chosen by the older person – this could be their room, an outdoor area or quiet space they feel comfortable in. When chatting to participants, social workers focus on using language that resonates with them such as asking about their ‘worries’ or ‘problems’ and exploring ways they can ‘work together to find a solution they’re happy with’.
Michelle Arnel, Program Manager at Better Health Network, has seen the positive impact on older peoples’ wellbeing and credits the flexible structure of the program.
"Some days we are writing and celebrating life stories; other days we are singing with participants to their favourite feel-good song, or assisting them to watch their grandchild’s performance live online. Each task is another step closer to an older person finding their joy or providing some relief.”
- Michelle Arnel, Program Manager at Better Health Network
Max's Story
Max, in his 70’s, had never spoken with anyone (even his family) about his experience in the Vietnam war. When Max moved into residential aged care, he became emotionally distressed due to his loss of independence. He also started having trouble sleeping and was experiencing ‘flashbacks’ to the war, so he was referred to the Wellbeing Program for support.
Max engaged with the Social Worker, who helped him make sense of what he was feeling and work through the grief and loss associated with moving into aged care. He was provided with some strategies for expressing his feelings, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques to help him sleep.
After being involved with the program, Max felt more comfortable talking about his feelings and was able to open up to his family for the first time.
“It was hard to live with everything that happened during the war. I always thought that I just had to get on with it, so I did. Moving into a nursing home was very painful to me but there was no other option. Talking to someone about everything that I was feeling was a very new experience for me. It turns out that I have probably needed to talk about my feelings for a very long time. I have started to talk with other residents and even join in some of the activities. I have talked about what happened in Vietnam with my family and they are helping me to write everything down. This has made me feel like I won’t be forgotten as a Veteran. The breathing exercises have helped me to sleep, and I am starting to feel so much happier."
During financial year 2022 – 2023, this unique Wellbeing Program supported 739 older Australians across approximately 70 facilities to prioritise their wellbeing and help them live their healthiest lives. Since launching in 2018, the program has enabled access to mental health care by delivering over 22,800 sessions to just over 1300 older Australians in south eastern Melbourne.
Since 2018
Mental health and wellbeing sessions have been provided.
Older Australians have been supported to live their healthiest lives.
A recent evaluation of the
Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities Initiative found that these services ‘…can and do deliver meaningful improvements in residents’ mental health, quality of life and relationships.’ Due to the success of the program, funding has been extended for another three years, ensuring a continued holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of older Australians.
If you would like to know more about the Residential Aged Care Wellbeing Program, please contact our Access & Referral Team on 1800 862 363 (8.30am - 4.30pm weekdays). To find out more about our aged care services visit our dedicated webpage.
Up next:
Connecting people with the right mental health care at the right time
Supporting health professionals to use the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST).
South Eastern Melbourne PHN
Level 2, 15 Corporate Drive
Heatherton Victoria 3202
ABN 65 603 858 751
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