Through the new Aged Care Access Initiative GP down south is offering a free counselling service for low care residents with mild mental health issues,i.e. anxiety, transition issues, grief and loss.

Commonwealth funding covers payments for clinical care provided by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in Residential Aged Care Facilities where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements.

Referral for the service is via visiting GPs only.

Counsellors will visit residents at their aged care facility. Initially sessions will be one-on-one however, it is envisaged that in some cases and as appropriate, group therapy sessions may also occur.

This service is available to aged care facilities in the South West towns of Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta, Pemberton, Manjimup, Bridgetown, Boyup Brook and Nannup.

ARE YOU OVER 75?
YOU COULD HAVE AN ANNUAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT WITH YOUR GP

If you are living in the community and are 75 years of age or older you could have this annual health assessment.

The annual health assessment helps in the management of your total health and may give rise to opportunities for preventative health care.

It is a good way to identify any risks or medical issues that need addressing that may not be identified if you are visiting the GP for another reason.

This service is for people who live at home or in an independent living unit but not in a hostel or nursing home.

What is an annual health assessment?

The annual health assessment is a comprehensive appointment conducted by your GP which looks at medical, physical, psychological and social components of your health and wellbeing.

It will probably cover:

How do I arrange one?

Many doctors surgeries already routinely offer their patients whom are over 75 years of age an annual health assessment.

If the GP you normally attend has not offered you this health assessment, ring the practice to find out whether you are eligible.

The health assessments take longer than a normal appointment, so they need to be booked and in some cases you will see the practice nurse as well as your GP.