The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is urging the Federal Government to increase access to psychology services in aged care after damning analysis has found rampant mental ill-health plaguing the sector two years on from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
APS President Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe said the APS was releasing a new position statement 'Psychologists in residential aged care' to drive awareness of the importance of supporting the mental health of aged care residents.
"The mental health of aged care residents is just, if not more important than their physical health. Australians would be shocked to learn that their access to expert mental health care largely stops when they enter aged care," she said.
APS analysis examining the prevalence of mental health conditions within the sector found:
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Around 60%, or 3 in 5 aged care residents have a mental health condition.
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Aged care residents are four times more likely to experience mental ill-health compared to community-dwelling older adults.
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Around 50% of older people living in residential care in Australia have depression.
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Up to 20% of aged care residents have an anxiety disorder, and another 60% may experience clinically significant anxiety symptoms requiring treatment.
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About a third of older people in residential aged care report suicidal ideation, up to four times higher than for community-dwelling older adults.
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The comorbidity of mental and physical health disorders is high in residential aged care; for example, nearly 60% of individuals with a mental health disorder have musculoskeletal conditions, incontinence or diabetes. Multiple physical health disorders increase the risk of having a mental health disorder.
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The comorbidity of mental health disorders and dementia is high. Almost half of aged care residents with dementia (47%) also have a mood disorder.
"These figures are a stark reminder of what's needed in order for people to live their later years safely with dignity" said Dr Davis-McCabe.
Key APS proposals include:
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Commit to legislative, funding and policy levers for equitable access to high-quality allied health care, including psychological services for aged care residents.
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Increase postgraduate psychology training, placements, and supervision for qualified psychologists to work in aged care, with incentives focused on rural/remote areas and diverse populations.
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Ensure permanent access to MBS Better Access initiative for aged care residents.
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Ongoing funding for Primary Health Networks Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities initiative to scale up and increase mental health promotion/programming.
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Develop mental health literacy training programs for aged care staff, improving identification of psychological distress and access to support for older adults.
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Invest in research for evidence-based psychological support in residential aged care, funding research higher degrees and fellowships for the next generation of aged care researchers.
You can read the full 'Psychologists in residential aged care' position statement here.
