The importance of supporting mental health in residential aged care homes

Whatever your age, taking care of your mental health should be a priority. As we age, mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially when making major life transitions – like moving into a residential aged care home. 

At HillView Care, we take a holistic approach, ensuring we nurture our resident’s minds, bodies and souls. Through compassionate care from our residential aged care team, and additional support from allied health professionals, we’re here to listen, support and guide our residents every step of their journey. 

Here’s how we support the mental health of our residents at our Gold Coast aged care homes:

Through connection and support

As we age, we face many emotional challenges, some that feel overwhelming – triggered by the loss of a partner, or even the loss of the lifestyle you once had. This can turn into feelings of loneliness, grief, anxiety or depression if not addressed in time. 

At HillView Care, we believe aged care should be about more than just daily routines and medications. It should be about helping our residents by ensuring they feel connected, supported and have a purpose – because when people feel truly seen and valued, their whole outlook on life can change. It can be as simple as sitting down with our residents over a cup of tea and offering a listening ear – just being someone they can talk to.

With compassionate care

Supporting mental health starts with compassion. The incredible staff at HillView Care take time to get to know each resident as an individual, listening to their stories, learning about their interests and the challenges they face in their life. Whether someone is adjusting to the transition into residential aged care or dealing with the death of a loved one, we do everything we can to ensure they feel heard, supported and understood. 

At our Merrimac and Ashmore residential aged care homes, we have created a home-like environment where there is a sense of belonging and comfort. We encourage a social environment where friendships are created and no-one should ever feel alone. 

Professional help

Our professional care team plays a huge role in providing emotional support for our residents. They work closely with allied health professionals, and can help connect residents with expert mental health support when they need it. 

Creating a sense of purpose

We want our residents to feel like they matter. We encourage them to play an active role in decision-making, exploring their interests and trying new things. From gardening and painting, to music, storytelling and community outings, our lifestyle programs are designed to help residents stay active, engaged and of course, happy! We like to give our residents plenty of reasons to get up in the morning, to connect with others, laugh, learn and be creative. 

Supporting families

We know that making the transition into aged care living can be a big adjustment for families too. When you watch your loved one age, or move into aged care emotions can rise up – guilt, worry or even grief. So we’re here for families too. 

We help by giving regular updates, fostering open communication and being available to talk through any concerns you may have. 

A holistic approach to aged care

Mental health care is never an afterthought at HillView Care – it’s integrated into everything we do. Having a holistic approach means we consider every part of a person’s well-being – supporting their physical health, emotional well-being and spirituality. 

HillView Care – Supporting our resident’s mental health

Mental health support in aged care is about creating an environment where our residents feel supported and can truly thrive. At HillView Care, we have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where residents are treated with compassion, respect and dignity. 

Whether it’s through our personalised care plans, daily lifestyle activities, social connections or our team just being there to listen, we go above and beyond to help our residents feel seen, heard and valued.