Overcoming the challenges of engaging residents with mental health conditions. By Darragh O Keeffe.

An innovative program combining reminiscence, cognitive behavioural therapy and digital storytelling at a NSW facility is having a profound impact on residents with depression and anxiety. Before the program began last May, 76 per cent of residents at IRT's Dalmeny Village had symptoms of depression, as diagnosed on the Cornell Depression Scale. Now, says welfare officer Kate O'Leary, participants of the 'My story matters' program are more engaged with staff and demonstrating far fewer depressive symptoms. "One resident became depressed when he had to be separated from his wife of 70 years...