This 12-hour course is for any interested adult, particularly those who work with, live with or care for older people aged 65+, including families and carers. The aim is to train the community to respond appropriately as early as possible to older people developing mental health problems, rather than wait for a mental health crisis before taking action.
The Older Person Mental Health First Aid course will teach you how to assist a person aged 65+ who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence based Action Plan.
What will I learn in an Older Person Mental Health First Aid course?
The course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
Mental health problems covered:
- Depression and anxiety
- Confusion and dementia
- Psychosis
Mental health crises covered:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Delirium
- Unsafe and challenging behaviours due to confusion
In older age, mental illnesses can particularly occur in association with physical illnesses, loss of independence, bereavement and brain changes that occur with ageing.
Unfortunately, Australian males aged 80+ are one of the highest-risk groups for suicide.
Confusion and dementia are much more common in older people, but they are not a normal part of ageing.
Delivered by licensed Mental Health First Aid Australia Instructor and experienced industry professional Sarah Green, owner of Highway to Well, in a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
