Geriatric Psychiatry Program
The Geriatric Psychiatry Program provides specialized inpatient and outpatient care to aging clients who suffer from late onset mental illnesses or severe behavioural responses. The program focuses on assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, family/community support and education.
The team provides skilled, respectful and compassionate care which includes the mental, physical, spiritual, cultural, psychological and social aspects of aging. Our aim is to deliver a holistic approach to care, that is hope-driven, strength-based and empowering, which focuses on the whole person.
Our Geriatric Psychiatry team is comprised of professionals from the disciplines of psychiatry, medicine, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, therapeutic recreation, pharmacy, and clinical nutrition. The health care team works with patients, their families and community partners to provide care wherever the patient is located; whether that be in hospital, a long-term care residence or in their own home.
Teaching and research
We work with educational institutions across Canada and beyond in placing students from across all disciplines in a clinical atmosphere for the purposes of education and skill development. We take pride in contributing to the education of future care providers for the aging population. Our team members are committed to continuous learning and our environment is supportive of individual growth and knowledge sharing.
The program supports an innovative formalized approach to research and program evaluation, which enables us to better understand the needs of our patients, resulting in enhancements to care.
Community connection
The Geriatric Psychiatry Program includes both an inpatient unit as well as outpatient services comprised of an Outreach Team, Discharge Liaison Team.
We are partners in care with health care providers and agencies in the community. We integrate our services with community providers so patients receive the support that best meets their needs. Our mandate is to share expertise with community partners which enhances understanding and builds capacity to ensure the best possible care for older adults with mental health concerns.
Through networking with the Regional Geriatric Programs, family physicians, community agencies, long-term care homes and other service providers, the program offers a collaborative approach to assessment and intervention processes that are designed to benefit patients and their families.