Connections Count for Senior Citizens

​GP down south is pleased to announce we have been successful in securing funding from WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) through the Commonwealth Government’s Psychological Treatment Services for People with Mental Illness for the Connections Count program
 
The Program is delivered to people who live in designated Residential Aged Care Facilities in the South West of WA.
 
Moving to a residential aged care facility involves living far from family and a familiar environment, and leaving behind the social support system of relatives, friends, and society. The pressure to find and develop new and meaningful connections in a residential aged care facility can be significant for older adults.
 
The Connections Count program will be based on a stepped care model, which provides a framework which matches interventions to resident’s needs.  Psychological therapies will be suitable for people presenting with mild to moderate mental illness or severe mental illness that is episodic in nature.  Psychological therapies will be provided face to face by qualified Mental Health Clinicians visiting the site.
 
The general issues most commonly expected to be seen under this program include:
 

1. Residents who are having significant transition issues and experiencing adjustment disorders or abnormal symptoms of grief and loss, for whom early treatment may avert descent into a more serious mood disorder.  This group does need to be differentiated from residents who are exhibiting normal sadness and/or transition issues;
2. Residents with mild or moderate anxiety and/or depression – as above, this is expected to be the largest group requiring services through the measure;
3. Residents with a past history of mental illness for which they received services before being admitted which could not be continued – particular issues of continuity of care and understanding patient history apply;
4. Residents who may have experienced elder abuse or past or recent trauma;
5. Residents who, in addition to their mental illness, have a level of comorbid cognitive decline and/or dementia.

 
Eligible Residential Aged Care Facilities have been invited to a live webinar scheduled for the 17th February 2022 at 10am.