Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

The Aged Persons Mental Health Service is based at The Peter James Centre in Burwood with services available for people who live in the council areas of Whitehorse, Manningham, Knox, Maroondah Yarra Ranges and parts of Monash.

We provide a range of specialist psychiatric treatments for people who are experiencing mental ill-health who are 65 + years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who are 55 + years.

We also provide support for people who are living with Dementia who may be experiencing challenges that affect a person’s way of thinking,

mood and behaviours that are related to the progression of the disease.

Eastern Health is committed to working in partnership with people, their families and carers and general practitioner during their treatment, care and recovery

There is no cost for this service.

If you have concerns for yourself or someone you care for contacting your GP is a good place to start as they can assist you with a referral to our service.

If you require immediate help contact 000

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Health Ageing Service Response

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.