Knowledge of late-life depression: An empirical investigation of aged care staff

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined knowledge of late-life depression among staff working in residential and community aged care settings, as well as their previous training in caring for older people with depression.

Method: A sample of 320 aged care staff (mean age = 42 years) completed a survey questionnaire. Participants included direct care staff, registered nurses and Care Managers from nursing and residential homes and community aged care services.

Results: Less than half of the participating aged care staff had received any training in depression, with particularly low rates in residential care. Although aware of the importance of engaging with depressed care recipients and demonstrating moderate knowledge of the symptoms of depression, a substantial proportion of staff members saw depression as a natural consequence of bereavement, aging or relocation to aged care.

Conclusion: Experience in aged care appears to be insufficient for staff to develop high levels of knowledge of depression. Specific training in depression is recommended for staff working in aged care settings in order to improve the detection and management of late-life depression, particularly among direct carers, who demonstrated least knowledge of this common disorder.

Keywords:

• depression
• aged care
• staff knowledge
• staff training

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant from the beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence in Depression and Related Disorders. The authors also thank Benetas and Uniting Aged Care Victoria, for the support provided during the course of the research, as well as the aged care organizations and staff who participated in the study.

Notes

Notes

1. Certificate IV level courses offer vocationally-based training, typically completed at college, involving the equivalent of full-time study over 12 months.

2. Certificate III level courses offer shorter vocationally-based training, typically completed at college, involving the equivalent of part-time study over 6 or 12 months.