We Need to Talk About Mental Health in Aged Care
We often speak about the importance of mental health—at work, in schools, for parents, teens, and even young children. But there’s one group that often gets left out of the conversation: our elderly.
And yet, they are carrying so much.
Behind the wrinkles and soft smiles, behind the quiet moments in a shared lounge or the well-worn hands folded in their laps, are stories of deep change and silent grief. Many older adults in aged care aren’t just battling physical decline—they’re quietly struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and the grief of losing the life they once knew.
What might they be struggling with?
🌸 Loss of independence
Imagine waking up one day and realising you can no longer do simple things on your own. Driving, cooking, showering. Things you’ve done your whole life are now things you need help with. It can feel humiliating, frustrating, and deeply sad.
🌸 Being away from home
For many, entering aged care means leaving behind their home—a space filled with memories, comfort, and identity. It's not just a physical move. It’s a goodbye to the garden they once planted, the couch they napped on, the hallway their children once ran through. That kind of change brings grief.
🌸 Loneliness and isolation
Even in a room full of people, loneliness can creep in. Friends may have passed away. Family might not visit as often as they’d like. Hearing loss or memory decline can make conversations hard to follow. Slowly, silently, some start to retreat inward.
🌸 Cognitive changes
For those living with dementia or early cognitive decline, there’s often confusion, fear, or frustration. The world starts to feel unfamiliar. And the constant need to be reminded or corrected can be disorienting and disheartening.
🌸 Feeling forgotten
There’s a heartbreaking truth: many older people feel invisible. Like the world has moved on without them. Their wisdom, experiences, and voices still matter—but they don’t always feel heard.
Why this matters
Mental health in aged care isn’t a luxury or a side note—it’s essential.
Because emotional wellbeing isn’t just for the young.
Because healing doesn’t have an age limit.
And because every person, no matter how many candles they’ve blown out, deserves to feel seen, valued, and emotionally supported.
So what can we do?
🌸 Start conversations
Ask how they’re really feeling. Give them space to talk about their fears, their joys, their memories. Listen without rushing. Their stories matter.
🌸 Create meaningful connection
Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that go the furthest—sharing a cup of tea, reading a book together, listening to old music. Genuine connection can light up the darkest days.
🌸 Support their mental health just like physical health
Mental health services, counselling, and emotional support should be just as available as medication and physical therapy. Let’s advocate for better systems, more training for carers, and access to meaningful mental health care.
🌸 Remind them they’re not forgotten
A phone call, a visit, a handwritten note can remind someone they still matter deeply.
A gentle reminder to those working in aged care
I wanted to reach out because I know how mentally demanding the aged care sector can be, and how important it is to provide staff with the right support. I offer:
🌸 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Giving your staff the skills to recognise, respond to, and support mental health challenges.
🌸 Introduction to MHFA – A great starting point for teams who want foundational knowledge in mental health awareness.
🌸 Workbench for the Mind – A self-paced, easy-to-access program that staff can use anytime to proactively strengthen their mental resilience.
Right now, I am also offering a special introductory price of just $47 for Module 1: Wellbeing, giving staff instant access to tools they can immediately apply to their daily lives.
Check out the offer here: https://workbenchforthemind.mykajabi.com/wbftm-intro-offer
This is personal.
If you’ve got a parent, grandparent, or loved one in aged care—check in with them.
If you are someone navigating this stage of life—please know: your emotions are valid, and your mental wellbeing matters.
And if you work in aged care—you’re on the frontlines of some of the most beautiful, complex, and important moments in someone’s life. The work you do is not easy, but it is so needed.
Let’s keep talking about mental health in aged care.
Let’s make it a priority—not an afterthought.
Let’s start talking about the silent struggles, honouring the stories behind every wrinkle, and making space for both staff and residents to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Because ageing doesn’t make you any less human.
And mental health doesn’t stop mattering—ever.
