This study is asking: Do the current models of care support the needs of older people with chronic mental illness and their carers?

This PhD project aims to understand if the current models of care for older people with chronic mental illness (older consumers) are effective in the management of their mental and physical health and in supporting their family, friends or other carers (support persons).

To help answer this question we are inviting older consumers to share their experiences and opinions. We will be finding out what health services and supports older consumers use, any issues with current services and what other support is needed now and in the future. We would also like to interview people supporting older consumers to find out their views and if they feel supported in their caring role.

We are also talking with service providers and related organisations to explore how current policies work in practice, local protocols and processes and what service providers consider are gaps or barriers in getting their job done.

Thinking about your mental illness or caring for someone with a mental illness can be upsetting. If you need to talk with someone you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hrs)
Carers ACT on 1800 242 636 (9-5)

Mental health info lines:
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24 hrs)
SANE on 1800 187 263 (9-5)