A GP guide to mental health in aged care
Visitors and caregivers to residents in aged care facilities can all play a role in recognising and supporting those with mental illness
Need to know:
The number of Australians living in residential aged care continues to grow. In June 2022, 178,000 people aged 65 and older were living in permanent residential care, compared with five years prior when the number was 172,000.
In 2021-22, 245,000 people aged 65 and older entered into aged care services, of which around 62% were for residential care, divided between permanent and respite care.1
These are large numbers that grow with our ageing population, highlighting the importance of supporting this cohort.
