Older adult mental health

Older Adult Mental Health Services bring together therapy programs to provide the tools needed to manage mental health issues such as depression, grief, social isolation and dementia.

As you age, maintaining good emotional wellbeing is just as important as being physically healthy. Feelings of isolation and grief as well as illnesses such as dementia and depression can have a big impact as you age.

How can treatment and support help?

Supporting the mental health of older adults has many benefits, including helping maintain physical health and wellbeing and promoting independence and a good quality of life.

Our older adult mental health treatment programs

Everyone is unique and our programs are person centred to help you on this journey.

By working with different stakeholders in the community including your GP we can provide the best possible treatment plan to help with your wellbeing.

A range of treatments is available to help address specific problems, including:

grief related issues
depression
anxiety
social isolation
dementia
challenging behaviours
mood and personality disorders
bipolar disorder
psychotic disorders
suicidal thoughts

Inpatient programs help you learn how to manage your most acute symptoms with the goals of:

helping you understand the ageing process and mental health
giving you a better understanding of how lifestyle factors impact mood and mental health
providing you with improved skills for managing stress
helping you adjust – physically, socially and mentally – to the complications brought about by mental health issues
encouraging greater socialisation with others, as an ongoing way of being
reducing the risk of relapse.

Benefits of treatment programs

Health care plans are personalised to best address individual needs
Access to a team of health professionals, who work together to help you recover and feel better
A goal-oriented, support and treatment plan is developed to help guide your recovery
Your family and support network is included throughout your stay and once you leave hospital.

These benefits depend on your particular circumstances and require your full participation. You should consult a specialist in this area before deciding whether treatment is suitable for you.

Older adult mental health at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital

The Ursula Frayne Unit is unable to accept mental health referrals from the community. The Unit accepts patients over 65 years of age who are referred via the East Metropolitan Health Service.