Evaluation of a psychosocial group program for older adults: The Healthy Ageing Service Wellbeing Skills Group

Abstract

Objective

To conduct a quality assurance study assessing the implementation of the Healthy Ageing Service Wellbeing Skills Group Program (HAS-WSGP), a novel psychosocial skills group designed to support older adults’ mental health.

Methods

Eligible participants were aged 65 years or older, presenting with mild-moderate mental health symptoms or interested in learning skills to enhance their emotional wellbeing, and living in community and residential aged care settings. Sessions were conducted weekly and facilitated by mental health clinicians and a peer support worker. Data collection involved a combination of demographic variables, outcome measures, and feedback surveys.

Results

A total of 40 consumers participated in the HAS-WSGP during the study period. Overall, participants demonstrated improvements in psychiatric, social, and occupational functioning, however no improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed. Improvements in self-reported knowledge of group program topics were observed, and participants endorsed the program as relevant, supportive, and helpful for improving their overall wellbeing.

Conclusions

It is feasible to run a psychosocial group program with older adults, and older adults report good benefits from this form of service provision. Further research will be needed to determine the efficacy of these programs on improving older adults’ mental health.