Queensland seniors are playing a greater role in family mental health and wellbeing.
The Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck, today said many grandparents were becoming more aware of mental health issues and services to support family members, as well as other seniors.
Queensland is celebrating the contribution of older people during Seniors Week 2016 (13-21 August).
Dr van Schoubroeck said an increasing number of seniors were providing full-time or part-time care for children and grandchildren.
“The need to be informed about mental health, alcohol and other drugs does present something of a challenge,” she said. “For some families, parents are no longer the primary care givers and it is grandparents or senior carers who are having to learn about mental illness and how to help.
“Not only must we support mentally healthy and actively ageing communities, we also need to look at how best to support older people who are providing care and support for younger family members or peers.
“Part of the stigma that surrounds mental illness is compounded by ageist misconceptions that see mental health problems as part of ageing.
“While there is no doubt that appropriate health services must be provided for older Queenslanders, we also need to be arming our seniors with the information they need to understand and support those around them who are living with mental illness or issues related to alcohol and other drugs.”
The Queensland Mental Health Commission last week convened the first meeting of a new Age Well Working Group as part of an Early Action Plan for positive mental health and wellbeing.
