The SMHRT (Seniors Mental Health Resource Team) will see individuals experiencing complex emotional, cognitive, functional or behavioural problems resulting from:
- A new onset or existing serious mental illness complicated by the aging process or complex/chronic medical conditions, e.g. mood disorders, psychosis, anxiety
- Dementia with Psychiatric complications (hallucinations, delusions, sexual dis-inhibition, agitation, aggression, etc...)
Typically, individuals are over 65 years and evidence indicates that a medical cause of sudden behavior has been ruled out.
Referrals are made by filling out the necessary form. The referral must include a clear problem description, demographic information, evidence of referral criteria are met and identification symptoms, available medical information, i.e. current MAR sheet, any bloodwork, X-rays, etc.., notable psycho-social factors and notable changes.
For seniors who do not fit the criteria for this team, they can access help through Adult Services at Richmond Centre or McGill Community Mental Health. The referrals would be sent to Intake. They can self-refer or be referred by family doctor or referred coming out of hospital.