Psychological Support in Aged Care

Delivered in-person, in the comfort of their environment

Ageing often brings subtle shifts - losses, transitions, changes in health, or a quiet sense that things don’t feel quite as steady as they once did. For some, that might look like low mood, anxiety, grief, or withdrawal. For others, it could be disconnection, adjustment difficulties, or simply not feeling like themselves.

I provide mobile, in-person psychological support for older adults living in residential aged care, with a focus on gentle, respectful, and individualised care. Sessions are delivered within the familiarity of residents' environment; their room, a quiet space, or wherever feels most comfortable.

What I Help With

Support is tailored to the person, not just the diagnosis. I work with:

• Depression, low mood, and loss of motivation

• Anxiety, worry, and adjustment to health changes

• Grief and bereavement (including cumulative or longstanding grief)

• Loneliness, isolation, and changes in identity

• Cognitive changes and emotional responses to ageing

• Behavioural and emotional distress

• Supporting engagement, meaning, and day-to-day wellbeing

Sometimes the work is structured and therapeutic. Other times, it’s as simple as creating space to reflect, process, and reconnect.

My Approach

My work in aged care settings has involved providing psychological assessment and therapy to older adults living in residential facilities, often alongside complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. I draw on:

• Evidence-based therapies (including CBT, ACT, and reminiscence-based approaches)

• Trauma-informed care, particularly where life history and past experiences remain present

• Adapted interventions for cognitive change, sensory needs, and physical health limitations

• A slower, relational pace that prioritises comfort, trust, and dignity

There’s a strong emphasis on meeting people where they are - clinically, emotionally, and practically.

Working Within the Care Environment

Aged care is never just about the individual—it’s a system. I work collaboratively with:

• Nursing and care staff

• Families and supports

• GPs and allied health professionals

This might involve consultation, shared care planning, or simply ensuring everyone is aligned in how best to support the resident.

Where helpful, I also provide psychoeducation and guidance for staff and families, particularly around responding to distress, behavioural changes, or emotional needs.

What Sessions Can Look Like

Sessions are flexible and responsive. Depending on the person, this might involve:

• Gentle engagement for those who may not typically access therapy

• Supportive counselling

• Reminiscence and life review work

• Structured therapy

• Brief check-ins focused on emotional regulation or coping

There’s no pressure to “perform” therapy in a particular way. This is about building a meaningful and supportive connection.

Practical Details

• Location: Delivered onsite at residential aged care facilities

• Format: One-on-one sessions (typically 50 minutes, adjusted as needed)

• Referrals: GP referral under a Mental Health Care Plan (if applicable), or private referral

• Availability: Flexible scheduling in coordination with facility routines

A Quiet Note

Psychological support in later life isn’t always about change in the traditional sense. Often, it’s about making sense of things, feeling less alone in them, and restoring a sense of steadiness, even in small ways.

If you’re enquiring for yourself, a family member, or a resident in your care, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether this kind of support might be helpful.