No images? Click here Increased mental health support for older adults in south east MelbourneOlder people who are experiencing social isolation and are at risk of mental ill-health will now have new opportunities to get support and reconnect in their community. South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is pleased to partner with Better Place Australia and Star Health to provide Mental Health Services for Older Adults, a free in-home psychological service for people over 65. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all Australians. Twenty-two per cent of households report loneliness and financial stress, while 30 per cent report moderate to high levels of depression and anxiety. The National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan (released in May last year) identified older Australians as being particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and therefore disproportionately impacted by physical and social distancing measures and associated loss of support from family and friends. This new service will reach out to those at risk of, or currently experiencing, mental ill-health, social isolation and/or loneliness both in the community and in Residential Aged Care facilities (RACFs) as a result of COVID-19 to support their mental and physical health, and support coordinated connections to local supports, networks and services. This will include:
The program will also provide additional supports through existing mental health services, including SEMPHN-funded psychological services currently offered to older people who live in RACFs. The service starts on 1 April and is open for referrals via SEMPHN's Access & Referral by telephone: 1800 862 363 (8.30 am—4.30 pm weekdays). Anyone can refer to this service. Tender opportunityNew infection control pilot projectMurray PHN on behalf of the state Department of Health and Victorian PHNs, is seeking submissions for suitably credentialed and qualified infection prevention and control professionals to develop and pilot a phone and remote video-based advisory service that will deliver individual, tailored infection prevention and control assessment and support services to health services across Victoria. Click here for more information, including how to register for tenders. |