Healthy Minds Program
About Healthy Minds Program
This 12-session program is designed for older people who may be experiencing mood symptoms associated with memory loss and/ or cognitive impairment. Patients focus on age-related issues including brain-training exercises, creating a healthy balanced lifestyle through mental and physical activities, and social activities. It is designed to provide improvement to wellbeing and mood through behavioural methods and education.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You are not feeling enjoyment from your usual activities and would like to learn strategies to improve your mood.
- You are having difficulty with your memory and are having a hard time adjusting to the change.
- You would like to learn strategies to manage cognitive changes.
- You have been feeling more isolated recently and would like to improve your confidence and social connections.
Program content
- Benefits of Physical Activity
- Music and the Brain
- Reminiscence
- Healthy Eating
- Understanding the Brain
- Memory Strategies
- The Benefits of Creativity
- Falls Prevention
- Sleep Hygiene
- Loneliness and Socialisation
- Relaxation
What you will experience
Throughout this program you will participate in group sessions lead by qualified Allied Health Professionals. Participants will be supported to engage in group activities challenging different areas of the brain. You will be encouraged to share your experiences each week through reflective discussion aiding to improve socialisation and communication. Skills and strategies will be discussed and practiced each week to improve mood and wellbeing.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Understanding Physical Health – learn about the link between physical health, mental health and cognitive ability. You will make a plan to improve your physical health including exercise, healthy eating and cognitive stimulation activities.
Objective 2
Understanding the Brain – learn how the brain works and what you can do to improve and maintain brain health.
Objective 3
Memory Strategies – learn internal and external memory strategies to implement in daily life to reduce memory related stress.
Objective 4
Relaxation – learn a wide range of relaxation strategies and activities to address stress and anxiety.
Objective 5
Socialisation and Loneliness – gain an understanding of the impact of loneliness and mood in older age and make a plan to combat it.
What's included
Education
To develop or refine new skills and strategies.
Action Plans
To guide you though education, reflection and exercises designed to tackle your symptoms.
Workbooks
Step-by-step activities to help you put new skills into practice.
Check-ins
Support between treatments to help keep things on track.
Progress Tracking
Questionnaires to help you monitor your symptoms and/or progress.
Extra Resources
Tools to help you overcome common challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will find this program helpful?
This program would be beneficial for people over 50 years of age who are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety and/or depression related to mild cognitive impairment and mild to moderate dementia.
How much does it cost?
Patients are admitted as a day patient and as such, can claim their attendance via their health fund or choose to self-fund. We ask that patients confirm any applicable out-of-pocket excess or gap costs directly with Belmont Private Hospital. Private payment is also an option.
When does this treatment start, and how long does it take?
The program is run on a weekly basis all year round. Participants can attend one session a week on Thursdays from 9:15am - 15:00pm. The program can be started any week of the year. Morning tea and lunch is provided.
