Suicide prevention for seniors

Would you know what to do if an older person you support was having thoughts of suicide? 

Generally, when we think of suicide, older adults don’t come to mind. But Australian men aged 80 and over have the highest rate of suicide. Older adults are also the least likely to use specialty mental health services. That’s where you come in. 

If you work with older people and would like to learn how to support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, this program can provide the skills you need. Run by Anglicare and funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, the Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program is for anyone who works with or supports older people.

The Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program is QIP accredited against the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards.

Your training will cover:

• warning signs of suicide 
• common risk factors for the general population and older adults 
• protective factors for the general population and older adults 
• how to have a conversation with empathy 
• how to identify whether someone is having thoughts of suicide 
• non-clinical support ideas and how to refer on for professional support 
• role-play in pairs to practice skills in a safe environment. 

Who will this training suit?

This program is for aged care workers, retirement living staff, allied health staff, pharmacists, geriatricians, GP practice staff (clinical and non-clinical) and anyone who supports older people, including unpaid carers and concerned family members.

This program assumes no prior knowledge in mental health or suicide prevention and cannot be tailored for your group. You will need internet access to take part.