Supporting mental wellbeing in aged care: the ON-TRAC project

For many older Australians, the transition to residential aged care is more than just a change of address, it’s a profound life event that can bring stress, anxiety, and depression.

Thanks to a $600,000 grant from the Ian Potter Foundation, researchers at Charles Sturt University’s Ageing Well in Rural and Regional Australia Research Group are leading a ground-breaking initiative to better support older adults through this challenging period.

With co-contributions bringing the total project funding to $1.67 million, ON-TRAC: (Improving the mental health of Older Australians Navigating the Transition to Residential Aged Care) will develop new psychological support strategies to ease the mental health burden of moving into aged care.

By 2050, the United Nations predicts that 16% of the global population will be aged 65 or older. In Australia, we have already reached this milestone. As the demand for aged care services rises, so too does the need for comprehensive emotional and psychological support during this transition.

Research shows that nearly half of all new aged care residents experience depression, with many also suffering from relocation stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Until now, most interventions have focused on supporting residents after they move into care. However, Charles Sturt University’s research has identified a major gap as no tested strategies currently exist to provide pretransition mental health support to help older adults adjust before they enter residential aged care.

The ON-TRAC Project aims to co-design practical, evidence-based interventions to reduce psychological distress before and during the transition into aged care.

Over the next five years, researchers will collaborate with key partners, including the National Ageing Research Institute, Federation University, Uniting AgeWell, and St Agnes Parish.

At the heart of the project is a simple yet powerful approach: listening to the people most affected, older adults, their families, and aged care staff. By understanding their experiences, concerns, and needs, the ON-TRAC team will develop tailored strategies to enhance emotional resilience, improve coping mechanisms, and ultimately create a more positive transition experience.

“For many older adults, moving into aged care is one of the most significant challenges they will ever face. Our goal is to ensure that this transition is met with the emotional and psychological support they deserve,”

said Dr Shanna Fealy, proud Charles Sturt graduate and post-doctoral research fellow leading the project.

“We’re working with Uniting AgeWell in Victoria and Tasmania, and St Agnes Care and Lifestyle in Port Macquarie, as well as researchers from the National Ageing Research Institute and Federation University so that the project is evaluated and implemented effectively,” Dr Fealy said.

The ON-TRAC Project is more than just a research initiative, it’s a step toward reshaping aged care practices across Australia. By increasing awareness, providing early intervention support, and working in partnership with the aged care industry, Charles Sturt University and its research partners are striving to create a world where aged care transitions are met with dignity, compassion, and care.

With support from the Ian Potter Foundation, the ON-TRAC Project will drive meaningful change, ensuring that older Australians can navigate this life transition with greater confidence, reduced distress, and improved mental wellbeing.

You can learn more about the ON-TRAC Project here.

Are you interested in supporting this project? Contact Carly Evans at advancement@csu.edu.au