The Availability of Psychological Services for Aged Care Residents in Australia: A Survey of Facility Staff

Abstract

Objective: Rates of depression and anxiety are high among older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). This study examined the extent to which psychological services are made available to facility residents in Australia, and investigated barriers to accessing such services. Method: The sample consisted of 90 senior staff from a random sample of RACFs. Participants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their perspectives on the availability of psychological services and potential barriers to access psychological services. Results: Access to psychological services was poor. Psychologists were employed at a rate only one third that of other providers of mental health services. Residents were rarely referred to psychologists or to psychological treatments. The most important barriers to access, as perceived by participants, were the low availability of psychologists specialising in treating older adults, lack of government funding for such access, and limited staff training in detecting depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Access to psychologists and psychological services remains poor in Australian residential aged care settings. Such access may be improved by developing a workforce of clinical geropsychologists, improving funding mechanisms for residents to access psychological services, and addressing staff knowledge about depression and anxiety.

The dispensing of psychotropic medicines to older people before and after they enter residential aged care

“…Sustained behavioural change is more likely when non‐pharmacological approaches to managing behavioural symptoms and staff training are emphasised throughout the entire organisation. The access of Australian RACF residents to psychologists and psychological services is poor, despite evidence for the effectiveness of psychological therapy for reducing depression in RACF residents . The availability of alternative treatments for people with depression living in RACFs should be improved.…”

Brief on the Role of Psychologists in Residential and Home Care Services for Older Adults

“…There are also limitations to the funds available for such services, with service providers typically catering to a number of different needs for each resident. Very few aged care facilities employ a psychologist directly, as illustrated by a recent survey of 400 facilities in Australia (Stargatt, ). Of the 81 facilities that responded to items regarding the employment of psychologists, only 14% ( n = 11) indicated that a psychologist was employed, in either a casual ( n = 4), part‐time ( n = 6), or full‐time basis ( n = 1).…”

A cluster randomised trial of the program to enhance adjustment to residential living (PEARL): a novel psychological intervention to reduce depression in newly admitted aged care residents

“…The field lacks well-validated interventions designed specifically for this elderly, frail and clinically complex population. Many existing psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, rely on skilled mental health clinicians, and so are not feasible for widespread use in Australian facilities, where there has traditionally been limited access to specialist psychological services [8]. New approaches are required to address this problem.…”