Older Persons
We provide a fully integrated inpatient, day patient and outpatient mental health service for older persons, and have 30 dedicated older persons mental health beds, complemented by our 10 bed medical and rehabilitation ward.
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About Older Persons Mental Health
Learn about the signs, symptoms and causes of older persons' mental health concerns.
Types of Older Persons Mental Health Concerns
Ageing can pose a number of difficulties that may cause mental health issues, including memory problems, depression or anxiety.
Common conditions treated by Robina Private Hospital's Older Adult Mental Health Team include:
- Bipolar disorder/mania
- Depression
- Schizophrenia/other psychotic conditions
- Psychiatric complications of dementia where a secure environment is not required
- Other complex mental health presentations not customarily managed by GPs or aged care providers alone
Anxiety
The symptoms of anxiety in older people are sometimes not all that obvious as they often develop gradually.
Depression
An older person may have depression if, for more than two weeks, they have felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, or has lost interest or pleasure in usual activities.
Causes of Older Persons Mental Health Concerns
Many older people may have mental health issues at some point, due to:
- Illness
- Frailty and loss of independence
- Grief and loss of a loved one
- Financial stress
- A change in living arrangements
- Increasing social isolation
Treatment for Older Persons
Our multidisciplinary team is compassionate and sensitive to the needs of patients, aged 65 and over.
Inpatient Treatment
We have a qualified team who are attentive and understanding to meet the needs of the elderly and ensure the comfort of all patients.
We have four credentialed Psychogeriatricians who specialise in older persons mental health, and to support the physical care requirements of these patients, our hospital has two Physicians and a Geriatrician with visiting rights to the hospital.
We also provide assessment, management and support for people who have a mental illness over the age of 65 years, and we encourage family members and carers to get involved in helping their loved ones plan for their future.
Our assessment includes cognitive and general functioning to provide our patients with the best programs to meet their needs.
Our inpatient programs focus on educational, therapeutic and diversional activities.
Therapeutic interventions are provided on the basis of individual need and evidence-based guidelines depending on the diagnosis of each patient.
Interventions are categorised as follows:
- Healthy behaviours practiced by the individual, such as exercise, diet and routine
- Psychological approaches, such as building skills in helpful thinking, problem solving and coping with strong emotions
- Physical treatments such as medication and, less commonly, Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Changes in personal environment
- Communication and care tips for friends, family and professional care staff
- Helping patients access services and help for unmet social needs, such as loneliness, transport and housing
Day Programs
Healthy Minds (Cognitive Stimulation Program)
This program is for people aged over 55 who are experiencing adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety or early signs of memory loss and cognitive changes. Patients focus on age related issues including brain training exercises, creating a healthy balanced lifestyle through mental and physical activities, healthy eating and social activities.
This program runs continually and patients can join at any time.
Memory Clinic (Assessment Clinic)
For people experiencing memory loss or who feel their ability to think clearly and problem solve has worsened. A comprehensive assessment process with the patient and a family member, compromising two half-day appointments and further recommendations for treatment.
Memory Clinic (BPSD Clinic)
This clinic is a day hospital program for the assessment and management of people with a known memory disorder who are experiencing adverse Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). We provide a comprehensive specialist assessment and management plan in consultation with family and carers.
Young @ Heart (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Older Persons)
This program includes a memory component and is designed to meet the needs of our mature aged patients who are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety and/or depression. Sessions include reminiscing, validation, generating meaning, dignity, positive appraisal and the reframing of daily experience.
Resources for Older Persons
Help and support for older persons and their carers.
Alzheimer's Australia and National Dementia Helpline
National peak body and charity Australians living with dementia those involved in their care. It advocates for the needs of people living with all types of dementia, and for their families and carers, and provides support services, education and information.
Carers Queensland
Information, education, training, advocacy, counselling and other support services to help carers, whilst raising awareness about the valuable role that carers play.
Department of Social Services – Ageing and Aged Care
Aims to encourage older people to live active and independent lives, working to deliver quality, affordable and accessible aged care and carer support services through subsidies and grants, industry assistance, training and regulation of the aged care sector.
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Delivering government programs for war veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, members of the Australian Federal Police and their dependants.
FSG Australia
Overnight, weekend (or longer) respite for carers of people with dementia or frail with age, respite utilising a host family or in-home model to provide assistance to employed carers as well as reaching out to those living in the rural or hinterland areas of the region.
My Aged Care
Australian Government website to assist with navigating the aged care system. Designed to give people more choice, more control and easier access to a full range of aged care services.
Ozcare
Not-for-profit organisation providing a diverse range of quality health and human services including aged care services to over 65s.
Our Older Persons Specialists
The following list shows our specialists in this area
