Grampians and Wimmera aged care facilities to have new mental health supports

The program is providing psychological therapy services to aged care residents across Northern Grampians Shire, West Wimmera Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Yarriambiack Shire and Horsham Rural City.

Grampians Community Health is the lead provider of the service which is funded through the Western Victoria Primary Health Network.

Clinician Cass Roberts said residents had enjoyed huge improvements in lifestyle and mental health.

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Residents taking part in the program are now getting involved in activities and socialising and they have been able to deal with past traumas, loneliness and grief and loss, Ms Roberts said.

The supports are offered to residents diagnosed with a mild to moderate mental health condition such as depression or anxiety or those at risk of developing these conditions.

We are working through anxiety techniques and encouraging residents to be involved with activities, to be more social and to talk about any problems, Ms Roberts said.

Loneliness and a sense of loss of independence were common in aged care settings but had been exacerbated by the pandemic.

COVID-19 has added another dimension of loneliness that facilities havent experienced before, but Im seeing improvement with restrictions easing, Ms Roberts said.

The residents are from a generation who dont always talk about their problems and many cant always use technology to communicate with their loved ones, but part of this program is teaching them that its ok to have thoughts and feelings around grief and loneliness.

Ms Roberts said the program gave residents the opportunity to have long and meaningful conversations with someone.

Were seeing huge improvements and theyre so excited to see us, she said.

Grampians Community Health is looking to recruit more people to expand the program further across the region.

The programs funding is due to finish in June 2022 but Ms Roberts hopes it will be extended.

Its a pilot program but we hope it continues because it is definitely needed, she said.

Clinical care manager at Dunmunkle Lodge in Minyip, Meredith Knoop, said the program had achieved amazing outcomes for residents.

Weve seen such a difference in their mental wellbeing, Ms Roberts said.

Residents who in the past havent been able to open up are saying it has lifted a weight off their shoulders.

Ms Knoop said Dunmunkle Lodge was referring residents with their permission who were likely to benefit from the program, but some residents had also approached Ms Roberts after hearing of the successes.

We definitely want to see it continue, Ms Knoop said.

It is not only beneficial for residents who have been here long-term, it also helps those who have just come into residential aged care. Moving into aged care is quite an adjustment so having this program allows them to voice and address their fears and concerns.

People interested in accessing the service can contact Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400.

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