Psychogeriatric Outreach: Adapting Outreach to Better Service an Aging Population-View Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation, led by Dr. Sarah Coleman and her team, explores psychogeriatric outreach, focusing on innovative care models for older adults with severe mental illness. Dr. Coleman introduces the Psychogeriatric ACT Team in Toronto, designed to improve care for older adults with complex needs, including mental health challenges and homelessness. The team, consisting of psychiatrists, geriatricians, and case managers, works towards supporting independent living and optimizing health through comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches.<br /><br />The team addresses challenges such as insufficient geriatric expertise, homelessness, and systemic issues like inadequate discharge planning and affordable housing shortages. They highlight case studies illustrating the complexities of elder abuse, financial insecurity, and barriers to housing, prompting discussions on potential solutions and systemic improvements.<br /><br />Claire Stanley adds depth by discussing the efficacy and adaptability of the ACT model for geriatric care, referencing models from other countries. She emphasizes the need for specialized outreach services for older adults, noting that current models often lack consistency and adaptability.<br /><br />Catherine Edmond describes Project Dignify, another initiative focusing on homeless older adults, which aims to fill gaps left by traditional ACT teams. She highlights financial insecurity as a critical barrier and describes the program's efforts to navigate and streamline transitional support for at-risk populations.<br /><br />The presentation fosters dialogue on systemic improvements, underscoring the need for policy changes, increased funding, and community engagement to provide dignified care for vulnerable older adults.

Keywords

psychogeriatric outreach

innovative care models

older adults

severe mental illness

Psychogeriatric ACT Team

Toronto

independent living

interdisciplinary approaches

elder abuse

financial insecurity

Project Dignify

systemic improvements