Aged Care Mental Health Training for Goondiwindi
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Kaloma Home for the Aged is set to enhance mental health support for older Australians in Goondiwindi through a workforce development initiative designed to strengthen mental health awareness, early intervention and wellbeing outcomes across its aged care services. The project will support the delivery of accredited Mental Health First Aid training for staff, helping build a more confident, skilled and resilient workforce to better support residents, families and colleagues.
Kaloma is a not-for-profit residential aged care provider located in Goondiwindi, Queensland, delivering high-quality, person-centred care to 74 older Australians while also supporting 41 older people living independently through its Support at Home services. The organisation is committed to enabling older people to live with dignity, independence and purpose in a safe, welcoming environment that feels like home. Guided by its vision to be a leading people-centred rural aged care provider, Kaloma focuses on building meaningful relationships, promoting independence and supporting the physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing of every resident.
As a regional provider, Kaloma plays a vital role in ensuring older Australians can remain connected to their families, friends and community while accessing quality aged care services close to home. Through its multidisciplinary team, the organisation provides 24-hour residential care, lifestyle and wellbeing programs, respite care, allied health support and Meals on Wheels services for the wider Goondiwindi community.
The initiative has been developed in response to the growing mental health challenges experienced by older people living in rural and regional communities. Many older Australians face increased risks of social isolation, grief, anxiety, depression, dementia-related distress and reduced access to specialist mental health services. Residents entering aged care may also experience significant life changes associated with declining health, loss of independence and separation from familiar routines and environments. These factors can have a substantial impact on emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
Funding will be used to provide accredited Mental Health First Aid training for staff across nursing, personal care, lifestyle, administration and leadership teams. The training will equip participants with practical skills to recognise the signs of mental health concerns, respond appropriately to people experiencing distress, provide initial support and connect individuals with professional services when required. The program will create a network of Mental Health First Aiders throughout the organisation who can act as champions for wellbeing and mental health awareness.
The primary population being supported through the project is older Australians living in rural and remote communities, including aged care residents and older people accessing community-based support services. The initiative will also benefit people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse community members, families navigating the ageing journey, and aged care workers who regularly experience the emotional demands of supporting residents through illness, bereavement and end-of-life care.
By strengthening mental health literacy, improving early identification of concerns and reducing stigma, the initiative will help ensure residents and families receive compassionate and informed support when they need it most. At the same time, it will enhance workforce wellbeing and resilience, contributing to a stronger, more sustainable aged care service for the Goondiwindi community and supporting Kaloma's ongoing commitment to delivering safe, connected and person-centred care.