OLDER PERSON MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems in older people, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Many people feel uncomfortable and unprepared when thinking about starting a mental health conversation with someone they are concerned about. Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the confidence and knowledge to help someone in need are important skills that any person in the community can learn.

In completing this course attendees can become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider. Complete an online assessment after the course to become accredited.

SYNOPSIS

Approximately 20% of Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Completing a MHFA Course will help you to develop the skills to support a client, friend, family member, or co-worker.

Having mental health first aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your community and in your workplace.

WHO IS THIS CONFERENCE FOR?

The 12-hour Older Person Mental Health First Aid course is for any interested adult, particularly those who work with, live with or care for older people, including families and carers.

You will learn 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 YOU WILL LEARN:

This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Gain an understanding of mental health problems in the older person
• Explore key mental health problems found in this client group – Depression, anxiety, confusion, dementia, and psychosis
• Learn how to manage the mental health crisis situations associated with the key mental health problems
• Examine how to put lessons learned into practice

DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS COVERED ARE:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Confusion and dementia
• Psychosis

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SITUATIONS COVERED ARE:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Panic attacks
• Delirium
• Unsafe and challenging behaviours due to confusion