Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to announce the seven providers that will deliver expanded psychological therapy services for older persons in residential aged care homes (RACHs) in Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay, and surrounding rural and remote areas. 

The Psychological Therapies in RACHs program aims to improve access to psychological therapies for North Queensland aged care residents experiencing mental health challenges.  

The expanded program recognises the specialist nature of working with older people residing in homes and the importance of RACH staff, and the person’s family members and friends, when delivering the services.  

According to the NQPHN Health Needs Assessment 2022-2024, older people with psychogeriatric care needs can find it hard to access care outside hospitals, and those with mental health challenges in aged care or disability settings struggle to access mental health services. 

The expanded services will be delivered by: 

NQPHN Interim Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the PHN was dedicated to implementing the program in collaboration with RACHs, residents and their families, staff, and service providers. 

“Elderly residents in aged care homes often don’t have access to mental health services as part of their care, despite a high rate of mental health challenges,” Mr Tooth said.  

“The successful providers will engage in co-design activities with the aged care homes in their region to ensure services meet the specific needs of older people. 

“Ultimately, we want to make sure individuals living in residential homes are placed at the centre of their own health and wellbeing, and experience improved care and mental health.” 

Mr Tooth said NQPHN was pleased to be working with the successful service providers to implement the Psychological Therapies in RACHs program.  

Mental health service provider North & West Remote Health (NWRH) will deliver the service across Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay. 

NWRH CEO John Cain said NWRH had delivered psychological support services to North Queensland aged care home residents for many years. 

“This time in a person’s and family's life can be very challenging and we hope to make a positive impact with meaningful connections and tailored supports for all involved,” Mr Cain said. 

“Our clinicians are trained and supported to provide psychological services within a unique context specific to aged care and residential settings. 

“We have developed a mature and respectful partnership with NQPHN that supports our shared goals of delivering better health outcomes to the people of North Queensland.”    

Cairns region 

Breathe Easy Counselling, in Atherton, provides individualised psychological therapy services to aged care residents who are experiencing or at increased risk of mental health challenges.  

Owner/operator Kellie Myers said relationships with staff and residents was key to the success of the service.  

“Working with older people to improve their lives is a great privilege and this partnership means I can provide an ongoing and sustainable service to this isolated group of people,” Ms Myers said. 

“At Breathe Easy Counselling, we work closely with aged care homes to improve their capacity to identify vulnerable residents and create a more responsive environment where the mental health needs of residents are prioritised and treated, ultimately improving the quality of care for all residents. 

“As a local provider, I can provide mental health services to aged care homes that’s underpinned by my knowledge of the community, its history, and its culture.” 

Mental health service provider for the Cairns region Judith Groube said her private practice would plan and implement services for residents, in a way that respected their individual needs and goals, along with RACH’s roles and responsibilities. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to participate in the redesigned model of psychological therapies in Far North Queensland aged care homes,” she said.  

“I will continue to provide services to 10 aged care homes across Cairns, Mareeba, Port Douglas, and Mossman. 

“As part of the codesign, we will be inviting feedback and input from residents, family members and friends, and staff.” 

Townsville region 

Achieving Change Counselling is a small local service in Townsville that currently delivers psychological interventions in aged care homes.  

Manager Amanda Kruger said: “We believe that these services create a supportive environment that promotes dignity, autonomy, and a higher quality of life for older adults in aged care settings.  

“Our experienced team will provide a range of services and have a genuine understanding and compassion for the challenges faced by older adults, we offer an environment that is safe and trusting, and enhances the therapeutic relationship. 

“We are very honoured to have been successful in partnering with the NQPHN in delivering a high-quality service to residents in aged care facilities.”  

Darran Smith from Create Psychology NQ said the team was dedicated to improving mental health services for residents and their families in the Townsville region. 

“We bring specialised mental health services to those in aged care who need them the most,” Mr Smith said. 

“Create Psychology NQ is pleased to partner with Northern Queensland PHN to strengthen our commitment to supporting aged care residents' mental wellbeing across North Queensland.  

“The service will enhance residents’ wellbeing by providing tailored psychological support within aged care settings.” 

Mackay region 

Kelly Health Mental Health and Addiction Solutions nurse practitioner and credentialed mental health nurse Tania Kelly said the organisation had delivered compassionate, evidence-based psychological support services to residents of aged care homes in Mackay since 2020. 

“Our service strives to enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents, while supporting the staff and families who care for them,” she said. 

“We are thrilled to bring these much-needed services to Mackay's vulnerable ageing population.” 

Rhonda Robinson, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at CARE4MH, emphasised the vital role of mental health services in enhancing the quality of life for individuals living in aged care homes. 

“The CARE4MH team is proud to provide psychological therapies directly into residential aged care homes,” said Ms Robinson. 

“Our dedicated and experienced mental health clinicians have long been committed to providing compassionate, specialised support to older persons, their families, carers, and the staff in these facilities. 

“This is a crucial service that will help meet the unique needs of this community and help improve their quality of life.” 

The successful providers underwent a competitive tender process, which involved input from various stakeholders.