Seniors Service

Life for many older people is a time of contentment and reflection. However as we age, we are faced with new and potentially difficult challenges, including health challenges.

Some stressors are more common in later life, such as a decline in functional ability. For example, older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty or other health problems. Being more dependent on others for care can lead to a sense of a loss of dignity and independence.

In addition, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, a decline in socioeconomic status with retirement or a change in living arrangements. All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness or psychological distress.

Depression and anxiety are often not well recognised or detected in older people. Quite often symptoms of depression, such as problems with sleeping, memory or concentration are mistakenly dismissed as a result of growing older. Sometimes depression and anxiety co-exist with dementia and this can make the specific diagnosis difficult.

The stigma surrounding these conditions makes older people reluctant to seek help.

To find out more about Ramsay Clinic Albert Road’s older persons unit, please complete the contact us form, or alternatively contact 03 9256 8322 to have a confidential conversation with one of our staff members.

Day Programs

Day Programs are structured, therapeutic group sessions – think of it as ‘group therapy’. We have a diverse range of day programs on offer, each tailored to address the specific needs of the people we care for. Run once or twice a week, over a period of weeks or months, you’ll work with our expert therapists on building life skills, managing symptoms and preventing relapse. Depending on your program, you may also receive individual therapy sessions as part of your therapy.

Click here to view a list of day programs available at Ramsay Clinic Albert Road.

Outpatient Services

The Ramsay Clinic Albert Road Outpatient service provides specialist psychiatric services that do not require staying at the hospital. As an outpatient, you will be seen by a psychiatrist in our consulting suites. Psychiatrists at Albert Road can complete a range of services for outpatients including assessments, secondary consultations, short term or long-term care and therapy. The number of visits you may need will be discussed at your appointment and together with your psychiatrist, a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and the goals identified in your referral will be developed.

Outreach

Outreach is community-based care involving individualised treatment plans for adults or seniors delivered in your home. Sometimes, outreach will be provided via telehealth – like during period of lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach is ideal for people who need short-term support after a stay at Ramsay Clinic Albert Road, for people who are waiting to begin a day program or who need longer-term support.