Aged care students at Wollongong and Shellharbour TAFE are in for a treat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Students and workers can now access two fee-free TAFE NSW courses aimed at empowering aged care workers to better understand and address mental health issues in residents.
The online courses, customised by TAFE NSW, have been funded by COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN and are available to local residential aged care employees who will graduate with a Statement of Attainment.
Older Australians in residential aged care facilities are five times more likely than those living independently to experience mental health issues, according to a review by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) on behalf of Beyond Blue.
While it is thought that about 10 per cent of older Australians have depression or anxiety, NARI says more than 50 per cent of those living in aged care facilities have either or both disorders, and just under 50 per cent enter residential with a pre-existing depressive condition.
TAFE NSW community services head teacher Ashleigh Ellis said the courses would play a vital role in educating workers in aged care facilities about the warning signs of mental health issues in residents.
"Mental health is such a critical area in residential aged care that has particular needs and strategies, and we often find there's a gap in training," Ms Ellis said.
"TAFE NSW and COORDINARE are working together to fill that skill gap and this is really about helping workers recognise the early warning signs and arm them with practical strategies to help.
"The younger generation has become far more open about mental health but many older people have missed out on that cultural change."
In addition to the online study, students will attend practical workshops at TAFE NSW. The course was funded following a highly successful pilot program in 2019.
Dianne Kitcher, CEO of COORDINARE, said she was delighted to be working in partnership with TAFE NSW to develop these courses.
"Residential aged care workers play such an important role in improving the mental health outcomes for residents. They really are the frontline in addressing these issues so we want to make sure they have the skills and confidence to respond in a way that enhances the residents' wellbeing."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.