Aged Care Counselling

Mental health services in aged care facilities are essential to support the holistic needs of residents. Many residents of aged care facilities experience a range of mental health issues. These can result from existing mental illness and can also be adjustment disorders from transition issues and grief and loss. Kelly Health provides psychological therapeutic approaches to support the older person in achieving mental wellbeing through aged care counselling

According to Beyond Blue, between 10 and 15 percent of older people experience depression and about 10 per cent experience anxiety. Rates of depression among people living in residential aged-care are believed to be much higher, at around 35 per cent. The most common mental illnesses experienced by people living in residential care are depression, anxiety disorders and dementia. In particular, depression is experienced by almost one-third (29% or 168,500) of people living in residential aged care facilities, according to AIHW. 

The transition into residential aged care can be stressful for many reasons: the change in environment and place, loss of home; relationship changes with family members and friends; and fear of the unknown are all part of the transition process. As a result, some residents may experience feelings of loss, anxiety or depression that may impact their quality of life. Adjustment disorders have been reported by between 17% and 20% of residents.

Kelly Health supports aged care residents during their transitions by providing the security of knowing they are well supported, reducing their feelings of loneliness or isolation, and allowing staff to provide the highest level of care.