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We come together as RASA, a not-for-profit organisation that exists on the lands of Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu . Yartapuulti . Warraparinga . Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung . Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest continuous living culture. For more than 65,000 years the original custodians welcomed all people to their Lands. They taught us responsibility, reciprocity and connections to these lands, knowing we are all visitors to these places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of knowing these countries, to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders, their communities, their stories. When we learn about Country we recognise the care for the lands, skies, waters, plants, and animals that has always been a part of Aboriginal cultures.

We come together as RASA,
a not-for-profit organisation that
exists on the lands of
Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu .
Yartapuulti . Warraparinga .
Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung .
Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest
continuous living culture. For more
than 65,000 years the original
custodians welcomed all people to
their Lands. They taught us
responsibility, reciprocity and
connections to these lands,
knowing we are all visitors to these
places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of
knowing these countries, to recognise
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, their Elders,
their communities, their stories.
When we learn about Country we
recognise the care for the lands,
skies, waters, plants, and animals
that has always been a part of
Aboriginal cultures.

We are conscious of our privilege to be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege comes from the ongoing violation of these
lands which continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's

relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples. The knowledge and wisdom we absorb inspires us to work restoratively,
with open-mindedness and holistically, to foster meaningful change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony depends on our ability as an organisation to listen, appreciate, collaborate, learn, and speak up.

We are conscious of our privilege to
be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege
comes from the ongoing violation
of these lands which continues to
harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people's relationships,
health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to
learn from the knowledge and
wisdom of First Nations peoples.
The knowledge and wisdom we
absorb inspires us to work
restoratively, with open-mindedness
and holistically, to foster meaningful
change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony
depends on our ability as an
organisation to listen, appreciate,
collaborate, learn, and speak up.

This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

This is, was and always will be,
Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

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Supporting Emotional Wellness in Aged Care (SEW)
Counselling, Group Programs, Tailored Services

Supporting Emotional Wellness in Aged Care (SEW)

The Supporting Emotional Wellness in Aged Care Program (SEW) offers counselling services for people living in residential aged care facilities in metropolitan Adelaide. This service allows residents of registered RACFs to access free mental health services.

Referrals

Overview

Who It's For

Residents ‘at risk’ of or experiencing mild to moderate mental illness; or with a diagnosed mental illness that is severe in nature and will benefit from short-term psychological therapies.

How We Help

Individual and group counselling and activities for residents of residential aged care facilities who are experiencing mental health challenges.

What to Expect

The expected benefits of psychological services for aged care facility residents are improvements in mood, adjustment and functioning and increased ability to cope with life changes.

Program

Psychological therapies provided are evidence based, short-term – up to 12 sessions per year and delivered via an in-reach model as either individual and/or group sessions.

Price

The SEW program is free for residents of aged care facilities living within the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Delivery Options

The SEW program is offered face-to-face across a number of residential aged care facilities in the metropolitan Adelaide area. Services are provided Monday-Friday during business hours.

Your emotional wellness is an important part of your general health.

We understand the challenges that come with ageing. Adjusting to changes, loss, and grief, can increase stress levels and feelings of loneliness.

There are often many factors that can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety, including:

Feeling less in control
Grief and loss
Loneliness
Health conditions
Relationship problems
Changes in living arrangements
Giving up activities you enjoy
Three elderly people drinking tea laughing together.

Referral Pathway & Decision-Making Tool

To learn more about SEW referral eligibility

View here

Waitlist Management

To ensure access and equity for all eligible residents we have outlined our waitlist management below.

View here

Mental Health Literacy 

We offer mental health literacy group presentations for staff, residents or family members.

They can help you:

• Understanding more about mental health
• Support yourself and others through tough times
• Know what supports and resources are there for you.

Mental Health Literacy presentations are free and guided by trained health professionals.

Download Our Mental Health Toolkit
Elderly man knitting.
Two elderly women sitting reading.

Group Activities

The SEW program also offers group activities to provide strategies in coping with the past and learning practical skills to better manage stress. The groups are therapeutic and a great way to connect with others and gain tools for positive wellbeing. 

Groups we offer
FAQS for hosting a group

Building Connection and Strength by Reminiscing

Many of our elderly people have each experienced unique, world changing circumstances across their lifespan and bring their own individual perspectives. Older generations are also a great source of wisdom, strength, resilience and perspective.

A great way to support and connect in this current time, is to tap into your loved-ones, elders, family and friends’ strengths and successes in previous experiences.

Download the Resource

Resources for People Living in Aged Care and Their Loved Ones

We have helpful resources to help you navigate through change and seek out additional services that may benefit your wellbeing or your families wellbeing. 

Download the Resource
Three elderly indigenous Australians talking together smiling.
Fees
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Enquiries + Referrals
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FAQs

The program is not intended to support residents with significant behavioural issues, dementia with severe cognitive features and behavioural symptoms which is affecting their wellbeing and care, or delirium. These needs are better supported by specialised services, such as the South Australian Government’s Older Persons Mental Health Service and the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service, delivered through Hammond Care Australia.
We welcome self-referrals, as well as referrals from family and friends. Call 1800 000 739 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
 The program will not duplicate the role of leisure and recreation activities already provided to facility residents.
Therapeutic groups are available for residents ‘at risk’ of developing or who are living with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, experiences of grief and loss, or mild to moderate mental health condition and who will benefit from short-term psychological therapies. SEW services are not able to support residents with significant behavioural issues, dementia with severe cognitive features, delirium, or acute and persistent complex mental illness that would be more appropriately managed by a General Practitioner (GP) and/or specialised health service such as Dementia Behaviour Support and Older Persons Mental Health. If you are unsure as to whether a resident would be eligible for referral, please contact the SEW duty team on 1800 000 739.
SEW groups are trauma informed, evidence-based and delivered by qualified practitioners. They are designed to offer residents opportunities for self-expression and connection, as well as improve general wellbeing, strengthen belonging and purpose while building strategies and practical skills to better manage stress and build resilience.
All therapeutic groups are offered for up to 6 sessions, held fortnightly (with the exception of Music Therapy groups which are offered for up to 8 sessions, held weekly). Each session is scheduled for 45 minutes, with additional time allocated to set up and pack up. Practitioners will arrive 15-20 minutes prior to each session to set up. A Practitioner will meet with each participant individually prior to the group for a pre-appointment to introduce the SEW program, discuss informed consent and to explore what they would like to achieve from the group.
The SEW team promotes and supports diversity and belonging. We are committed to treating everyone equally, regardless of their age, ability, gender, sexuality, relationship status, race, religion, and culture. Being responsive to diversity is a key for improving the quality and effectiveness of care, creating a culturally safe group and improving wellbeing of residents living in RACF. We will organise an interpreter when required to attend the group if needed.
See All FAQs

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