Resources

This free suicide prevention training program from Anglicare is for anyone who works with older people. It includes an online learning program and interactive workshop (3 hours duration). 

"This paper by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission presents key findings of a rapid review into contemporary evidence regarding interventions intended to improve the use of medications for older adults in the residential aged care setting."

This video by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission provides important information about sedative medications. It promotes quality and appropriate use of sedatives in residential aged care services in Australia, in particular antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. It also explains some of the impacts and side effects that should be considered when using these medications, and highlights the importance of informed consent. (6 min)

This 5th edition of the Silver Book by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners contains guidance on the use of psychoactive pharmaceuticals in the care of older patients.

A guide to using the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), a tool for assessing the signs and symptoms of major depression in people living with dementia. To be completed by someone that has regular contact with the person.

An article from Australian Prescriber which describes the importance of assessing older people for an anticholinergic burden when taking drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Dr Joanna Waloszek of the Elders AT Ease (ELATE) program explains why mental health outreach to residential aged care is so important and what one innovative program is doing to address the mental health concerns of this population group.

A fact sheet from the Healing Foundation providing information for aged care staff to improve services for Stolen Generations survivors.

A continuing professional development webinar from the Mental Health Professionals' Network featuring an interdisciplinary panel discussing how collaborative care may help support the mental health of older LGBTI people. (1 h 10 m)

This booklet was created by Beyond Blue for aged care staff and covers a range of interventions that can be used to promote emotional wellbeing or to help people with anxiety or depression.