Enquire about support for yourself or someone you care for

Call the Intake /Triage number on 1300 721 927 (option 4 during business hours) where you may speak directly to a Clinician who will discuss your concerns with you and assist you to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Each enquiry taken by the triage clinician shall be forwarded to the relevant service within the Aged Persons Mental Health Program to offer support and/or treatment.  Services from the Aged Persons Mental Health program may be provided in the home, GP Clinics, Aged Care facility, outpatient clinics or hospital.

Aged Persons  Mental Health Community Service

When a referral is accepted for a mental health assessment the person or their next of kin will be contacted by a mental health clinician

This is usually conducted by a clinician and doctor to assess the needs and supports of the person and family/ carer. 

Following the assessment and in collaboration with the person and family/carer and general practitioner a recommendation will be made for appropriate treatment or service. 

In-Patient Unit - South Ward Peter James Centre

South Ward is an acute hospital ward for persons aged 65 + years and  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are  55 + years who require specialist inpatient mental health care. 

During the admission to South Ward members of the multidisciplinary team will work together with the person and family/ carer to develop recovery goals, review treatment and discuss discharge plans.

 The most effective pathway to recovery usually involves a combination of medical and allied health support services.

We practice within the recovery framework and work alongside people and their families and carers to identify and achieve goals to enhance quality of life. 

Health Ageing

The Healthy Ageing Service Response is a free government program to support the mental health and wellbeing of older adults living in the eastern and northeastern region of Melbourne. It is funded by Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) and delivered by Eastern Health in partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.  

The service shall work with older peoples’ existing care and support networks, such as their family, GP and other professionals, in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) or to support them to remain in their homes within the community.

 “‘Whole of person’ needs shall be considered, including alcohol and other drugs (AOD), suicide prevention, psychosocial support, housing, physical health needs, and the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older people aged over 65 years or 55+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Once joining the program, together we shall explore your ideas to develop and strengthen your mental health and overall wellbeing through either individual or group sessions and support you to work towards achieving positive outcomes.