Community Geriatric Mental Health Services

Program Purpose The Community Geriatric Mental Health Team works with older adults in partnership with caregivers and service partners to: Enhance quality of life Improve level of functioning Promote emotional well-being

Population served: Individuals 65 years or older. Occasionally we will see adults under 65 under special circumstances eg. ladies with Huntington Disease

Symptoms: Depression Anxiety Memory problems Behaviour changes Disturbed thoughts

We also see people at risk: Individuals who are living at risk or where risk is suspected: NEGLECT: Failure to provide necessary care, assistance, guidance or attention which causes or is reasonably likely to cause within a short period of time, serious physical, mental or emotional harm or substantial damage or loss of assets.

SELF NEGLECT: self neglect eg. living in grossly unsanitary conditions Suffering from an untreated illness, disease or injury Suffering from malnutrition which results in the adult’s physical or mental health being severely impaired.

We see people suffering from suspected/actual ABUSE: Physical Financial Emotional Spiritual

Services Provided: Specialized Assessments eg. Geriatric Psychiatrists Short term treatment and follow-up Education & support to clients & caregivers Linking older adults to community resources eg: FH Home Health ( HHCM, OT, PT, SW), Alzheimer’s Society, NetCare DPOA, Chilliwack Seniors Resource Society, Better at Home program, Chwk Peer Counsellors, Red Cross Partnering with family physicians.

Chilliwack Geriatric Team members: 2 Geriatric Psychiatrists – Drs. Almas & Biradar Physicians Neuropsychologist – Dr. Tracy Lyster 3 nurses Social worker Health care workers (other teams may have OT)

Chilliwack Community Geriatric Mental Health Contact for referrals: 604-702-4860 Who can make a referral: Self-referral NetCare DPOA Spouse Home Health Family member Business (car lot) CGH Neighbour Bldg manager Community Agency Alzheimer’s Society