Psychological Therapy Services in residential aged care

Depressed elderly asian man looking downwards

Mental health can be impacted by a range of factors, including being lonely or feeling a lack of companionship, grief and losses of different kinds, including a loss of independence. Bad physical health can impact on good mental health, and similarly, bad mental health can prevent people from maintaining good physical health. Residents with low to moderate mental health concerns are eligible and encouraged to access free support to help them improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Services

Murray PHN funds local health services to provide Psychological Therapy Services (PTS) in residential aged care. PTS is available to residents with mild to moderate symptoms, a diagnosis of mental illness and to those who are at risk of developing a mental illness. A variety of tailored programs and resources, designed to meet the unique needs of older adults living in residential aged care, can be accessed through PTS.

Support

PTS can help to address concerns such as:

  • relocation, transition and adjustment stresses
  • grief, loss and bereavement
  • depression and anxiety.

Support can be delivered:

  • in person
  • via telehealth
  • one-on-one
  • in group sessions.

Benefits

Accessing support can help to:

  • have feelings validated and heard
  • receive coping mechanisms and strategies
  • improve overall quality of life
  • enhance emotional and psychological wellbeing
  • potentially reduce hospital visits.

Bookings

Residents, family, carers, an aged care assessment clinician or a staff member working in a residential aged care facility can book in for PTS. No formal referral is required and residents do not need to leave their home for appointments.

LocationService provider
City of Greater BendigoSt John of God
Goulburn Valley and North East Victoria regionAPMHA HealthCare Ltd  
Campaspe ShireEchuca Regional Health
Albury, Wodonga and Towong ShireStep Psychology
Shire of MoiraNCN Health
Rural City of Mildura and RobinvaleSunraysia Community Health
Loddon ShireInglewood and District Health Service
PTS in RACH providers

For more information

You can read the PHN program guidelines: Psychological Treatment Services for people with mental illness in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Last Update: September 2nd, 2024

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.