Abstract 

Author(s)

Vicki Langan, Whitney Lee

Physical health and social isolation have been identified by older people as two important areas of wellbeing that require intervention to improve their quality of life.  There can be confusion around who is responsible for assessing and monitoring the physical health of older people accessing mental health services.

Work conducted by Neami’s NSW Health and Wellbeing Team in addressing the physical health of individuals living with a mental illness gained interest across the mental health sector, resulting in a request by NSW Health, Older Person Mental Health Services for Neami to partner with them and support implementation of the Physical Health Care Practice Improvement Project.

The Neami Physical Health Prompt was utilised as a resource but required adaptation to cater to people over the age of 60 years. In line with Neami’s consumer participation policy and guidelines, a co-design process was used to develop an Older Persons Physical Health Prompt (OPPHP). This changed not only the visual functionality but added another 9 essential questions.  To support the implementation of the pilot OPPHP, strategies included Neami developing an instructional video to inform staff within 5 participating LHD Older Persons Services on the appropriate use of the resource.

At an individual, community and clinical level, the OPPHP supports the person in a variety of ways. Completion of the Health Prompt promotes and empowers them to have regular relevant conversations around their physical health with whomever they choose in a supportive environment, promoting reflection and ensures physical health remains on the agenda.

Responses emphasise the importance of regular physical health checks for older people, while an inpatient in a Mental Health unit, and/or residential care and the need to build the capacity of age care staff in consumer centred holistic approaches in physical health of older people living with a mental illness.