Mental health service providers are being urged to collaborate with the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) to deliver evidence-based interventions aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of residents in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF).
In early August, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued, inviting qualified providers to implement a stepped care approach. This initiative will focus on addressing the needs of RACF residents experiencing or at risk of mild to moderate mental health conditions, with particular attention given to those struggling with the transition into aged care.
A critical component of this initiative is the integration of innovative or digitally assisted models of care alongside traditional one-on-one interventions.
This initiative comes in response to an evaluation by the PHN of commissioned mental health services in RACFs, which highlighted the need to enhance access to support.
The goals of the Mental Health Services in RACFs are to reduce mental health disorders and suicide among residents by:
Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health and suicide prevention services for residents with or at risk of mental illness or suicide.
Implementing integrated, systems-based suicide prevention activities in collaboration with Local Health Districts (LHDs) and local organizations through the development of a joint regional mental health and suicide prevention plan, supported by service mapping and needs analyses.
This initiative will engage with the Residential Aged Mental Health Program, fostering ongoing relationships with local General Practices, Allied Health Professionals, and RACF services. Health pathways will be established to receive referrals from GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Nurse Practitioners, RACF staff, and family members.
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