Stimulating mental health in an aged care environment

It is vital to stimulate mental health in seniors and residential aged care homes are doing a wonderful job in that regard.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found in 2013 that 45% of newly admitted aged care residents have symptoms of depression.
Residential aged care home operators reach out to residents to interact and create a social connection in many ways, such as virtual reality technology evoking trips of their younger days. The use of intergenerational ties is growing to stimulate mental health and providers are beginning to house residents with young children.
Provider Cranbrook Care has linked up with Cool Bananas Early Learning Centre on a range of intergenerational projects.
The latest is handing over chickens that the residents of Bella Vista Gardens, 33km northwest of Sydney’s CBD, has raised and hatched over the past six weeks.
Cranbrook Care CEO Lee Carissa says it is not only a delight to see the children eagerly welcome their new feathered friends, he believes the partnership offers both emotional and cognitive benefits for participating residents, who have been keen to get involved.