.png)
Prioritising Mental Health in Aged Care
As the aged care sector ushers in a new era, it is imperative to send a resounding message that the mental health of older Australians matters. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that aged care workers, volunteers, carers, family members, and loved ones possess the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to respond confidently and effectively to mental health problems experienced by older people.
In a landmark move, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety underscored the significance of addressing mental health issues within the framework of a reimagined aged care system.
Recognising the essential need for training, awareness, and care management planning, the Commission brought to light the crucial need to equip aged care staff with the skills to effectively identify and respond to mental health challenges faced by older people.
One of the challenges highlighted by the Commission is the commonly held belief among older individuals experiencing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, is that it is a ‘normal’ part of ageing. This perception often hinders them from recognising the importance of seeking help early on, leaving many unaware of how or where to access much-needed support.
Consequently, a substantial number of older people struggle with undiagnosed and untreated mental health problems, significantly impacting their overall quality of life.
Compounding this issue is the prevalent stigma and low mental health literacy among older people, making it crucial for workers in the sector to possess a deeper understanding of the mental health issues affecting the elderly.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of aged care workers lack the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to mental health challenges in older individuals.
MHW Training Solutions has been leading the way in bridging the knowledge gap between aged care workers and the mental health issues experienced by older people by offering specialised mental health training tailored for the Australian Aged Care Sector since 2018.
See the training solutions we offer workers in the aged care sector below!
Mental Health Awareness & the Older Person
As the aged care sector evolves, it's imperative to prioritise the mental health of older Australians.
Since 2020; our groundbreaking Mental Health Awareness & the Older Person online training program has been instrumental in equipping workers in the aged care sector with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate and effective support.
It's a shared responsibility to ensure that aged care workers, volunteers, caregivers, family members, and those working around older people in general possess the skills, knowledge, and empathy to respond to the unique mental health challenges faced by older people.
MHW Training Solutions has been the sole content creator of this series since its establishment in 2020. All bookings for these sessions are managed exclusively through the ACCPA (Aged & Community Care Providers Association) website.
Introducing the 'Older Minds Matter' Webinar Series
Our new Older Minds Matter webinar series delves into crucial topics including 'Understanding the Impact of Ageism', ‘Understanding Social Isolation and the Importance of Connection’, and ‘Understanding the Importance of Person-Centred Care’.
These new sessions are carefully designed to align with the Aged Care Quality Standards, the new Aged Care Act, and the Code of Conduct for Aged Care implemented on December 1, 2022. These topics also support the quality standards of the new Support at Home Program commencing 1 July 2025.
Discover the available Older Minds Matter webinars here!