Senior's Mental Health Outreach

Provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment and psychosocial intervention * program is for seniors over the age of 65 experiencing poor mental health or mental illnesses who are at risk of requiring admission to hospital for psychiatric treatment * individuals under 65 who are diagnosed with an early onset mental health illness may also be eligible for the program, and will be considered on an individual basis * team consists of a specialized Geriatric Psychiatrist, a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurses, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists

Services include:

• home-based (e.g. home, retirement home, long term care) comprehensive assessment with a geriatric psychiatrist
• consultation, education and care coordination for patients, families and caregivers
• collaboration with family physicians, other health care providers, and community partners and linkage to support services
• assistance in the development of behavior management strategies
• short term supportive counseling and health teaching for patients/families
• assessment by a nurse practitioner for seniors with complex mental illness who are frail, have multiple health conditions and frequently use the Emergency Department