Resources

University of Queensland researchers are using Virtual Reality technology to reduce behavioural and psychological problems in older people - especially those living in aged care facilities or with neurological disorders. (1 min)

If you’re concerned about an older person being anxious or depressed, or just not coping, then it is important to take the first step. In this video from Beyond Blue, people share their experiences of talking to older adults they were worried about. (4 min)

This information sheet from Beyond Blue provides tips and strategies for opening up a conversation with an older person experiencing anxiety, depression, or not coping.

The Geriatric Depression Scale is a 15-item self-report measure of depression in older adults. Available and validated in multiple languages. Available as an app.

The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory is a simple tool with sound psychometric properties which allows screening for dimensional anxiety in older adults who may have anxiety, yet have not been properly diagnosed.

Shorter version of the 42-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales that was designed to measure three related negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and tension/stress.

Information and tools from the Department of Health for Commonwealth Home Support Programme service providers to support them to prepare, implement and evaluate the embedding of wellness and reablement in their organisation.

A guide from the Department of Health for Commonwealth Home Support Programme service providers providing practical information and tools for embedding wellness and reablement approaches in their service delivery.

This video presentation from Relationships Australia explains risks for and signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in aged care recipients. It also provides practical advice to the care worker for supporting people with mental health concerns. (25 min)

An Australian research study finds less than three in 100 residents of Australian aged care facilities accessed Medicare-subsidised mental health services between 2012 and 2017 despite a high prevalence of mental health conditions among this group. Reported in Australia Ageing Agenda, 14 July 2022.