Counselling Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care Settings: Four Illustrative Case Studies

Abstract

The role of psychologists and other mental health professionals in long-term care settings is undefined in Australia. Graduate psychology students receive little training in clinical geropsychology, and residential aged care providers do not routinely employ psychologists within such settings. Further, despite high rates of depression, neurocognitive problems, and other mental health problems, residents are rarely referred for evidence-based psychological treatment. This article presents four case studies showing how psychology services may be employed in such settings within the context of a postgraduate psychology placement programme. These case studies emphasise the importance of engagement, the use of flexible and individualised treatment approaches, and the involvement of family and professional carers in the provision of psychological services. Psychology services in residential settings can have a positive impact on the care of older adults and their families.

Prototype development of the Mental Health benchmarking Industry Tool for residential aged Care (MHICare Tool): a protocol paper of a two-stage sequential and mixed methods codesign study

“…Access to adequate psychiatric consultation and educational services for changed behaviours and psychological symptoms are significantly limited within RACFs and access to quality mental health services is a prominent concern among aged care administrators, clinicians, advocates and policymakers,3 as well as residents and their families/care partners 5. Access to private psychological services such as psychologists through government-funded agencies is restricted within Australia6 and professional care staff exhibit ambivalent attitudes surrounding psychotherapy for older adults 7. Services within RACFs are typically provided by professionals who are not specifically trained and employed in mental healthcare, with nurses and care staff receiving very little or no geropsychology training 8.…”

“… 5 Access to private psychological services such as psychologists through government-funded agencies is restricted within Australia 6 and professional care staff exhibit ambivalent attitudes surrounding psychotherapy for older adults. 7 Services within RACFs are typically provided by professionals who are not specifically trained and employed in mental healthcare, with nurses and care staff receiving very little or no geropsychology training. 8 However, care planning by aged care staff must account for both medical and behavioural health comorbidities.…”