Supervising post-graduate psychology trainees in residential aged care settings: common issues

ObjectiveThere will be an increased need for psychologists to provide mental health services in residential aged care facilities. Experience while training is invaluable to improving both confidence and interest in working in this area. Awareness of potential barriers and ethical situations that may impede good mental health care is necessary when providing supervision.MethodThis paper reviews issues that supervisors need to be aware of when working with students in this clinical space.ResultsBarriers and enablers of clinical placements in residential aged care settings are discussed. Models of care, ethical considerations relating to risk, consent and working systemically, multiple clients, practical difficulties of being off-site and clinical aspects of adapting therapy to residential care settings are identified as key issues related to supervising students. Potential solutions, resources and practical approaches to these issues are also highlighted.ConclusionsA positive approach to the complexities of working in residential aged care settings can lead to quality supervision and clinical care in this much needed area. What is already known about this topic:There is a high degree of mental health issues amongst older adults living in residential aged care.Concerns have been raised about how clinical psychologists will meet future workforce demands.There is a lack of supervisors with experience in providing clinical guidance in this area.What this topic adds:Supervising in residential aged care has been enabled by an increased level of funded psychological services available to aged care residents in Australia.Several unique ethical issues can arise within supervision in residential aged care contexts that need to be discussed with students to improve their competence.There are practical approaches to adapting clinical interventions and working systemically that serve to facilitate a student's placement journey in residential aged care.