Community & Business
22 November, 2024
New psychological services for aged care residents
OLDER people living in aged care homes in the region will have better access to psychological therapy services as part of a new program.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has announced that Breathe Easy Counselling in Atherton, and Judith Groube, who provides services for 10 aged care homes including ones at Mossman and Mareeba, are two of the providers in the region which will deliver expanded therapy services for older persons in residential aged care homes.
The expanded program recognises the specialist nature of working with older people residing in homes and the importance of aged care home staff, and the person’s family members and friends, when delivering the services.
According to the NQPHN Health Needs Assessment 2022-2024, older people with psychogeriatric care needs can find it hard to access care outside hospitals, and those with mental health challenges in aged care or disability settings struggle to access mental health services.
“Elderly residents in aged care homes often don’t have access to mental health services as part of their care, despite a high rate of mental health challenges,” NQPHN interim chief executive officer Ben Tooth said.
“The successful providers will engage in co-design activities with the aged care homes in their region to ensure services meet the specific needs of older people.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure individuals living in residential homes are placed at the centre of their own health and wellbeing, and experience improved care and mental health.”
Breathe Easy Counselling owner Kellie Myers said relationships with staff and residents was key to the success of the service.
“Working with older people to improve their lives is a great privilege and this partnership means I can provide an ongoing and sustainable service to this isolated group of people,” she said.
“At Breathe Easy Counselling, we work closely with aged care homes to improve their capacity to identify vulnerable residents and create a more responsive environment where the mental health needs of residents are prioritised and treated, ultimately improving the quality of care for all residents.
“As a local provider, I can provide mental health services to aged care homes that’s underpinned by my knowledge of the community, its history, and its culture.”
Mental health service provider Judith Groube said her private practice would plan and implement services for residents in a way that respected their individual needs and goals, along with residential aged care home’s roles and responsibilities.
“I am excited for the opportunity to participate in the redesigned model of psychological therapies in Far North Queensland aged care homes,” she said.
“I will continue to provide services to 10 aged care homes across Cairns, Mareeba, Port Douglas, and Mossman.
“As part of the codesign, we will be inviting feedback and input from residents, family members and friends, and staff.”
The successful providers underwent a competitive tender process, which involved input from various stakeholders.
