NARI researchers are working to support the mental health of older people living in residential aged care

Many people living in aged care experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness. The Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recognised this as a significant issue.

Our BEFRIENDAS research program pairs residents with trained volunteers who support the older person with friendly conversation about everyday topics, avoiding discussion about health problems or emotions.

NARI’s previous research showed this befriending intervention reduced depression and anxiety in people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the community, and we are keen to see it work in aged care.

BEFRIENDAS volunteer Ella says, "Even those people who live in residential aged care with others can still feel socially isolated because they don’t always have a connection with the people they live with, or an interest in the activities on offer. And there can be unwelcome feelings that come with that social isolation."

Ella has befriended three aged care residents since 2019, including Margaret who she currently visits. 

"I enjoy having someone from the outside visit me. Ella comes from Alphington near where I used to live, and she has a nice personality. I talk with her about family and Alphington."

"I love visiting Margaret. We’ll talk about horses and horse-racing, and she loves cooking so we chat about food and cooking, and also how she played bowls at Alphington bowls club," says Ella. "We might go to the café or sit on the balcony outside, or sit in the garden for a change of scenery."

Aged care resident Margaret says, "I enjoy having someone from the outside visit me. Ella comes from Alphington near where I used to live, and she has a nice personality. I talk with her about family and Alphington."

Ella says befriending makes a difference to people’s lives. "It’s not just in the immediate time that is spent with that person. People have told me they feel quite euphoric and happy for a few days after the visit."

The BEFRIENDAS research program was adapted during the COVID19 lockdown to provide online and telephone befriending. It is also being extended to provide for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The research will conclude in 2022, but with your support, we hope to extend the program to more residential aged care facilities.

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