Neglected minds: Challenges and strategies for promoting mental health in aged care users

Dr Monica Cations, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

12:30 (ACST), 6th April 2021

Online event (register here)

Psychological ill-being and illness are very common in aged care environments, and up to 86% of aged care users meet criteria for at least one mental health condition. This seminar will discuss the complex causes of this problem and examine potential solutions. In a system that prioritises physical needs, how can we support the aged care workforce to recognise and respond to the psychological needs of the older person?

Dr Monica Cations is a provisional psychologist and epidemiologist who has worked in the ageing and dementia field for over a decade. Her research is translational with a focus on psychological wellbeing in aged care environments and young people using aged care. Monica is a Lecturer in Lifespan Development in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University, supported by a Hospital Research Foundation Early Career Fellowship and NHMRC/MRFF Emerging Leadership Investigator Grant. She also holds Partnership status with the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, and is completing the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program at the University of South Australia.