KRAPPO: caring attentively and competently for psychiatric and psychosomatic vulnerability in older adults

How can caregivers in residential care recognise and address mental and psychosomatic issues in older adults? This project delivers practical tools and training for better care.

In short
This practice-oriented research supports caregivers in residential care facilities in addressing the mental and psychosomatic vulnerability of older adults. In collaboration with WZC Domino and Karus vzw, we co-create conversation guides and training tools tailored to daily care needs.

Need and relevance
Older adults in residential care are increasingly affected by complex mental health challenges. Caregivers often feel ill-equipped to respond, especially when psychiatric symptoms are combined with physical complaints or communication difficulties. There is also a significant lack of tools to identify and address Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms in older adults. This project answers a growing need for specialised knowledge and skills, as highlighted in various national policy reports.

From approach to impact
Through literature review, interviews and surveys, we map current needs in elderly care. We develop a conversation guide for psychosomatic symptoms and create training materials such as e-learning modules. A human centred design approach ensures that all tools are co-created with caregivers. The result? Stronger competencies, greater confidence, improved quality of care, and a long-term contribution to better mental health support in elderly care facilities.