New Day Therapy Service targets mental illness in the elderly

1/11/01
The opening of a new service in Melville completes the development of an integrated and comprehensive mental health program for seniors in the south metropolitan region, Health Minister Bob Kucera said today.
Mr Kucera said the Day Therapy Service in Marmion Street would provide a broad, community-based therapy program and joined Fremantle Hospital and Health Service's existing 16-bed inpatient service and Alma Street Centre community service.
Together, these three services make up the region's mental health program for seniors.
"Western Australia's population is ageing - as is the case nationwide - therefore, it is important that services are designed to address the needs of the older population and help them live comfortably with optimum quality of life," Mr Kucera said.
"It is a fact that the more people age, the more likely they are to need mental health services.
"One in 10 people aged over 65 years have dementia, but this ratio increases to one in five in people aged over 80 years."
The State Government provided $300,000 in funding to set-up this service and has committed nearly $290,000 each year to cover staff and infrastructure costs.
Mr Kucera said the new Day Therapy Service was part of a growing trend towards community-based care, which allowed older Western Australians to continue to live independently within their own community as long as possible.
"The new service will provide an increased capacity to offer support and education to general practitioners, non-Government agencies and the staff of aged care residential facilities," he said.
"The new Day Therapy Service will also offer a range of services to benefit the family or carer, such as support during the transitional period from hospital to home and carer support, counselling, education and training."
Media contact: Fran Robb (08) 9213 7000