Better sleep and social connection : Bernie ’ s story
Bernie is “ 82-years-young ” and has lived in Abbotsford for more than 45 years . Since the passing of his wife , Eva , Bernie has experienced grief , anxiety and sleep problems , accompanied by low moods .
He was referred to our Stepped Care for Older Adults ( SCOA ) program in early 2023 by St Vincent ’ s Hospital .
SCOA is a tailored mental health initiative for people aged 65 +, or aged 50 + if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander , with mild to moderate mental illness , and / or who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness . It is available in Melbourne ’ s northern and western metropolitan areas .
Bernie took part in the program ’ s Café and Stroll , Active Body Healthy Mind and Sleep Therapy groups . He says it was in the Active Body Healthy Mind group that things “ started to get interesting ” with camaraderie and a lessening of his burdens through shared experiences .
Bernie had his greatest success with the Sleep Therapy Group .
“ I didn ’ t realise how many bad habits I had in regard to sleep . Now most of the time I ’ m able to sleep without waking a number of times during the night .”
He liked the way each course was structured , and enjoyed meeting other people from different cultures and backgrounds .
Bernie says he ’ d definitely recommend the program to other older people who are struggling with their mental health .
“ Don ’ t give up ! If you recognise that you have a problem , don ’ t bottle it up . Go and see a health professional , there is plenty of help out there ”.
Bernie
For more information ,
please call 1300 637 744 , or
email SteppedCare @ merrihealth . org . au , or
visit our website .
Bernie , Merri Health Stepped Care for Older Adults client .
10 . | MerriNews December 2023 – January 2024