27 January 2022
In Australia, approximately 39% of all permanent aged care residents are living with mild to moderate depression[1]. As the average life expectancy increases and the number of Australians aged 65 and over rises, representing 13.3% of the population in June 2009 to 15.9% in 2018, more people will be utilising residential aged care facilities (RACFs)[2]. Improving the health and wellbeing of our aging population is a key priority area as a Primary Health Network, and the services we commission aim to support and enhance the lives of those living in RACFs. Wellbeing in Aged Care helps support the mental health needs of this demographic by addressing issues such as loneliness and isolation, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the Wellbeing in Aged Care program?
The Wellbeing in Aged Care program, run by Community Options Australia aims to address the mental health needs of older persons in RACFs in Western Sydney. Program staff work with residents, their families and RACF staff to conduct an initial mental health assessment, develop a care plan, and then monitor the client’s mental health through six free mental health intervention sessions designed to establish behaviour management strategies and identify the most appropriate mental health interventions. The program offers wrap-around support and, in addition to psychological therapies, includes interventions to prevent loneliness and isolation.
The Wellbeing in Aged Care program also offers a navigation component. A coordinator meets with the resident, and often a family member, to determine what services the resident is receiving, for example, through My Aged Care or the NDIS, and what else they might need.
How can GPs get involved?
GP awareness of the Wellbeing in Aged Care service is vital to increase client referrals to the program and to improve their quality of care. Both GPs and RACF staff can refer clients to the program, and it is crucial to have buy-in from all health care professionals supporting the client. GPs can provide valuable insight to program staff if more information is required to understand the client’s mental health history (with approval from the patient) and find the best treatment options for them.
Wellbeing in Aged Care program staff have currently been working closely to build rapport with 22 RACFs in Western Sydney, however, this program is already available for residents across all 65 facilities in the region.
To refer a patient to the service, or find out more about the program, please contact well@communityoptions.net.au or call 0457 001 618.
The success of the program so far
Of the 65 RACFs in Western Sydney, 22 were heavily engaged with the program in 2020/21 FY. During this time, the program supported 139 clients across 736 sessions. From client surveys, 81.3% of clients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the program.
Establishing positive relationships with RACFs has been a key success of the program and will continue to improve as the program is expanded. Providing the older population with the best possible care requires a good understanding of the cultural influences, physical health issues, attitudes, and opinions that contribute to individual clients’ mental health needs. The program team have the expertise to determine these needs and provide tailored care to best support each client and their family.
The new Digital Inclusion program
The Digital Inclusion program aims to enhance the Wellbeing in Aged Care program in response to the prevalence of COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions within RACFs. The program is designed to deliver group sessions and staff training in a virtual capacity and therefore increase the number of sessions conducted through the use of technology. The new model allows increased flexibility for sessions and residents to participate in group intervention sessions in a COVID-safe way.
The Digital Inclusion program helps train residents in how to utilise technology in more advanced ways to reduce loneliness and isolation. This includes learning how to use Zoom and more advanced programs and software.
Through remote RACF staff training, the program has helped improve the capacity of staff to recognise and address neurological and behavioural conditions via online clinical sessions and group training.
The Digital Inclusion program is available to all RACF staff and residents, regardless of if their facility has been fully onboarded to the program.
To find out more about the Wellbeing in Aged Care program or to refer a patient, contact 0457 001 618, or email well@communityoptions.net.au
You can also find more information on the Community Options Australia website.
Lionel’s Story
Lionel* was referred to the Wellbeing in Aged Care Program for psychological assessment, and initially presented with depressive and anxiety symptoms and passive suicidal ideation. After six weeks of participation in the Wellbeing in Aged Care program, Lionel reported no suicidal ideation and stated the he felt increased motivation and energy, and reduced anxiety, frustration and despair.
Read the full story: Lionel’s Story
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[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2015) Australia’s welfare 2015, Australia’s welfare series no. 12. Cat. no. AUS 189, Canberra: AIHW
[2] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018), Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2018#older-people