Aged Care Workers Urged to Sign Up for Free Mental Health Courses

Older Australians living in aged care homes are five times more likely than their independent peers to experience depression and anxiety.

National Ageing Research Institute statistics show about 10 per cent of older Australians have depression and/or anxiety, but more than 50 per cent of those living in aged care homes have either or both conditions.

The research also reveals just under 50 per cent of those entering permanent residential aged care for the first time already have depression.

Untreated depression is a known risk factor for suicide and Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows men aged 85 and older are the most likely group to take their own lives.

“Physical deterioration and chronic illness, social isolation, loss of independence and loneliness can make this vulnerable group more likely to develop depression before entering permanent care and at increased risk once they become residents,” said beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman.

“There is a desperate need for better mental health awareness and support in our aged care homes.”

To help meet this need beyondblue is offering a free online course to assist aged care workers in recognising the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and better managing the care of their residents, while also safeguarding their own mental health.

The course, Professional Education to Aged Care (PEAC), is suitable for a variety of staff working in residential and community care settings including nurses, personal care assistants and home & community care workers.

There have been over 5,000 registrations since PEAC was launched in March 2016, but beyondblue is calling for more aged care staff to sign up.

 “Being able to recognise when someone is experiencing psychological distress – or at risk of suicide – and knowing what steps to take to support them, means aged care workers can positively support the mental health of people in residential and community care.”

The course also helps workers to look after their own mental health with videos of aged care professionals talking about how they got assistance when they were struggling and how they stay well in a sometimes challenging work environment.

“The aged care workforce is at the forefront of protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable among us,” Ms Harman said. “If they know how to look after their own mental health they will be better equipped to look after others’.”

PEAC is made up of seven, half-hour modules endorsed by the Australian Council of Nursing and has been allocated six Continuing Professional Development hours by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The simple, free and short courses allow workers to upgrade their professional skills without putting extra pressure on workloads.

Register for the PEAC courses at www.beyondblue.org.au/peac.

beyondblue mental health professionals are available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. For online chat visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support (3PM-12AM AEST) or email response (within 24 hours). 

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