An injection of federal government funding aims to improve the mental wellbeing of aged care residents across the Wimmera and Grampians region.
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A $367,000 program will extend psychological therapy services into residential aged care facilities across the Wimmera's five shires.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network has engaged Grampians Community Health to implement the program in the region.
The program will provide short-term psychological therapy to residents with diagnosable mental illness or to residents who have attempted or are at risk of self-harm.
Grampians Community Health general manager of Business Support and Innovation Kate Astbury said the program would address the mental health effects of COVID-19 isolation.
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"Grampians Community Health is very pleased to be a part of this program that will give residents of aged care facilities access to mental health support where they live," she said.
"Our staff are looking forward to working with the facilities to support their residents who are living with mental health issues.
"The timing is great as many residents have been feeling isolated from friends and family due to the necessary COVID lockdown periods."
Western Victorian Primary Health Network chief executive Rowena Clift said the extension of psychological therapy services recognised the need to have mental health support services available in aged care.
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"Western Victoria PHN has a strong focus on working with community and health care services to directly respond to local mental health needs," she said.
"With evidence from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2015) estimating that approximately 39 per cent of all permanent aged care residents are living with mild to moderate depression, we want to help these people as much as possible, especially when recovering from the effects of the pandemic."
Grampians Community Health will be accepting referrals from Thursday, July 1, 2021 and can be contacted via refer@gch.org.au or 03 5358 7400.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
- Lifeline- 13 11 44
- Mensline Australia Line - 1300 789 978
- Kids Help - 1800 55 1800
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
- headspace Horsham - 5381 1543
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