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Younger hands embracing older hands

MHW Training Solutions is passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of older people and specialises in delivering mental health first aid training to those working or volunteering in the aged care sector.

 

Our MHFA Australia qualified Master Instructor delivers the Older Person MHFA course regularly, which equips adults with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, or another adult aged 65+, experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mental Health First Aid Australia imaging material (Older Person MHFA)
Younger hands embracing older hands

Course Outline

The Older Person Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants who work with, care for or support adults aged 65+ how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. 

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Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in older adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available. 

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Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports. 

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Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most. 

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This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.

Female carer performing health check on elderly woman

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including: 

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  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Confusion and dementia 

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours 

  • Panic attacks 

  • Delirium 

  • Behaviours of concern and unsafe behaviours caused by confusion 

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Upon completion of this course participants will be able to: 

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  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in older adults. 

  • Identify the risk factors associated with mental illness in older adults. 

  • Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses in older adults. 

  • Demonstrate awareness of the range of evidence-based treatments available for mental illness in older people. 

  • Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these. 

  • Apply mental health first aid skills, and know how to initiate a mental health conversation, using a practical, evidence-based action plan. 

  • Know how to assess and assist in a crisis. 

  • Gain an understanding of the local resources available to someone experiencing mental health problems. 

  • Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.

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