Mental Health in Aged Care: Why It Matters

By Rhiannon Dhoot, Client Relationship Manager at Sanctuary Recruitment

Mental health in aged care has been on my mind recently following a number of conversations at the Ageing Australia Conference, where wellbeing, connection and the overall experience of ageing were recurring themes throughout the event. It also reinforced many of the observations I’ve made during visits to aged care homes across NSW.

One thing I’ve noticed is how differently residents experience life in care. Some residents are actively involved in activities, enjoy socialising and have built strong relationships with staff and fellow residents. Others are more reserved, choosing to spend much of their time in their rooms and engaging less with those around them.

Of course, every resident is different, and there is no right or wrong way for someone to spend their day. However, these observations have highlighted the important role that connection, purpose and belonging can play in overall wellbeing.

While physical care is often the focus of conversations in aged care, mental wellbeing can have just as much impact on a person’s quality of life. It can influence confidence, social engagement, independence and even physical health outcomes.

 

More Than Just a Resident Issue

When discussing mental health in aged care, the focus is often placed solely on residents. However, during a recent site visit, an interesting conversation highlighted something we don’t always talk about enough: the emotional impact aged care can have on families.

Moving a loved one into residential care is rarely an easy decision. Many families have spent years supporting a parent, partner or relative at home before reaching a point where higher levels of care are needed. Even when they know the decision is the right one, feelings of guilt are common.

Family members may find themselves wondering:

• Have I done the right thing?
• Could I have cared for them at home for longer?
• Are they happy here?
• Are they settling in?
• Am I visiting enough?

For many people, the move into residential care represents a significant emotional adjustment. Not only for the resident, but for the entire family.

What struck me during this discussion was how much support aged care staff provide to families during this transition.

Beyond delivering care to residents, staff are often:

• Reassuring families who are struggling with feelings of guilt.
• Providing updates and communication.
• Helping families understand changes in care needs.
• Supporting residents and families as they adjust to a new environment.
• Building trust during what can be a very emotional period.

It’s a side of aged care that often goes unseen, but it plays an important role in supporting everyone’s wellbeing.

 

The Importance of Social Connection

The World Health Organization identifies social isolation and loneliness as significant contributors to poor health and wellbeing among older people.

During a site visit, I had a conversation with the team about residents who rarely receive visitors. It was something that stayed with me long after I left. While aged care staff work incredibly hard to create a sense of community and belonging, it was a reminder that not every resident has the same support network outside the home.

It’s also something I’ve observed during other visits. Some residents are surrounded by regular visitors and strong family connections, while others rely more heavily on the relationships they build with staff and fellow residents.

This is why social connection is so important.

While organised activities and lifestyle programs are valuable, connection is often built through simple everyday interactions:

• A conversation during breakfast.
• A familiar staff member greeting a resident by name.
• Family visits.
• Participation in a group activity.
• Spending time with other residents.

These moments may seem small, but they can help residents feel recognised, valued and connected.

One of the things I’ve observed during site visits is that homes with a strong community feel often create opportunities for these interactions to happen naturally throughout the day.

 

Why Continuity of Care Matters

Another factor that can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing is continuity of care.

When residents regularly see familiar staff members, relationships develop over time. Trust grows, communication becomes easier and residents often feel more comfortable expressing concerns or changes in how they are feeling.

Familiar staff are also more likely to notice subtle changes that others may miss, including:

• Withdrawal from activities.
• Changes in mood.
• Reduced appetite.
• Increased anxiety.
• Changes in social engagement.

This is one of the reasons continuity of care is so important. It’s not just about operational efficiency or clinical outcomes. It’s about creating a sense of familiarity, stability and security for residents.

 

Mental Wellbeing and Quality of Life

Mental health should never be viewed as separate from physical health.

A person’s emotional wellbeing can affect:

• Sleep patterns.
• Appetite.
• Motivation.
• Social interaction.
• Participation in activities.
• Overall quality of life.

Likewise, physical health challenges can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. The two are closely connected.

As the sector continues to evolve, it’s encouraging to see more providers taking a person-centred approach that considers the whole individual, not just their clinical needs.

 

The Small Things Often Matter Most

One of my biggest takeaways from visiting aged care homes is that some of the most meaningful aspects of care are often the simplest.

• A conversation.
• A familiar face.
• An invitation to join an activity.
• Reassurance for a concerned family member.
• Taking the time to sit and listen.

While these moments may seem small, they can make a significant difference to how someone feels and experiences life in care.

Mental health in aged care isn’t just about managing conditions or responding to challenges when they arise. It’s about creating environments where residents feel connected, supported and valued, while also recognising the important role families and staff play in that journey.

Because ultimately, great aged care is about more than meeting physical needs. It’s about supporting people’s overall wellbeing and ensuring they continue to feel seen, heard and connected.

 

Get in touch

If you’d like to discuss hospitality recruitment, workforce planning, or how Sanctuary can support your aged care team, I’d be happy to chat.

Rhiannon Dhoot
Client Relationship Manager | Sanctuary Recruitment

📧 rhiannon.dhoot@sanctuaryrecruitment.com
📱 +61 485 972 926