Mental illness shouldn't be a rite-of-passage for older Australians says peak body for psychologists

Mental illness shouldn't be a rite-of-passage for older Australians says peak body for psychologists

Australia's peak body for psychologists says depression and anxiety should not be a rite-of-passage for older Australians, and Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions should be made permanently available to aged-care residents.

Promisingly, in its response to the Aged Care Royal Commission's recommendations on COVID-19, the Australian Government has announced $35.5 million to allow aged care residents access to psychology services under Medicare until 30 June 2022.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) says while this is a very welcome step in the right direction, older Australians deserved permanent access to these services.

"Many Australians would be shocked to learn about half of aged-care residents live with mental illness" says APS President, Tamara Cavenett.

"Depression and anxiety are not normal aspects of growing older and should not be considered a rite-of-passage."

"Evidence shows psychological treatment for both anxiety and depression in the elderly is effective, but currently in aged-care facilities when mental illness is identified, the most likely treatment is pharmacological. Only a fraction of residents currently receive psychological support."

Tamara Cavenett says COVID-19 has also compounded issues experienced by aged-care residents.

"We know aged-care residents already experience loneliness, and during the pandemic there's evidence of increased generalised distress and worry, as well as hopelessness and helplessness amongst residents."

"This announcement is a glimmer of hope for older Australians and their loved ones, but there's a long way to go."

This funding announcement addresses significant issues around equity of access. Older Australians living in the community could access psychological treatment under Medicare. However, Government-funded residents of aged-care facilities were excluded from Medicare-funded psychological treatment because they are meant to be provided with access to a psychologist by their facility.

In reality this access is extremely limited, with less than one per cent of aged-care residents receiving any kind of psychological treatment.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.