If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis services are available 24/7 by calling 519-973-4435, visiting the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre (MHAUCC) at 1030 Ouellette Ave. in Windsor, or going to your nearest Emergency Department.
Specialized Geriatric Services
Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) support older adults by reducing the need for emergency department visits and hospital stays while supporting clients to remain in or transition back to their homes or long-term care (LTC) settings within the community. Services include specialized assessments to support diagnosis, education to strengthen caregiver and provider capacity, enhanced coordination across health and community care systems, and connections to resources and services tailored to individualized needs.
HDGH offers two SGS outpatient services that utilize the same referral form and process. Through a coordinated approach HDGH SGS staff will decide on the most appropriate service.
The Geriatric Assessment Program (GAP)
The Geriatric Assessment Program (GAP) is a voluntary, short-term program delivered by an interdisciplinary team. Specialized comprehensive geriatric assessments are provided for older adults (age 65+) who are exhibiting progressive cognitive changes, where a diagnosis of dementia has not yet been established.
The program is time limited (up to 1 year) where the interdisciplinary team will work together to provide consultation, education, capacity building, and advocacy for the individual and their formal and/ or informal care partners. Comprehensive geriatric assessments will guide recommendations for care planning, clinical management, and early identification to help support the right care for individualized needs.
Goals
The goals of GAP are to:
- Optimize/maintain the health, function, and independence of older adults who are experiencing progressive cognitive decline.
- Reduce Emergency Department visits/Hospitalizations.
- Aim to include the client’s support system throughout the assessment and consultation process.
Eligibility Criteria
A client, aged 65 years + and under the care of a Primary Care Provider, may be eligible for services to GAP or GMHOT based on the information gathered and in consultation with service providers.
Inclusion Criteria:
Progressive cognitive decline (dementia not previously diagnosed)
Functional decline due to cognitive changes
Exclusion Criteria:
- Acute delirium
- Active alcohol or substance use
- Post major surgery (3-4 months)
- Post stroke/acute brain injury (3-4 months)
- Resides outside of Windsor-Essex County
The Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team (GMHOT)
The Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team offers a voluntary, short-term program that works to enhance the mental health and well-being of individuals (65+) living at home in the community, or in long-term care homes, who exhibit significant mental health concerns and/or behavioural expressions associated with cognitive impairment.
The program is time limited (up to 1 year) and consists of comprehensive psychogeriatric assessment, psychoeducation, counselling, and psychiatric treatment.
Goals
The goals of GMHOT are to:
- Optimize the health and wellbeing of older adults experiencing symptoms of mental health or behaviours associated with cognitive impairment.
- Reduce Emergency Department visits/ the need for psychiatric admissions.
- Enhance the knowledge and skills of formal or informal care partners.
Eligibility Criteria
A client, aged 65 years + and under the care of a Primary Care Provider, may be eligible for services to GAP or GMHOT based on the information gathered and in consultation with service providers.
Inclusion Criteria:
- BPSD (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia)
- Depression/Anxiety
- Symptoms of Psychosis
- Complex Mental Health Concerns
- Frequent trips to emergency or frequent hospitalizations due to mental health concerns
Exclusion Criteria:
- Acute delirium
- Individual referred has a community Psychiatrist *Exception: Unless referral comes from a Psychiatrist requesting a second opinion
- Resides outside of Windsor-Essex County
Registration
Upon arrival to HDGH please present to the Registration Department (formerly Central Registration), prior to proceeding to your appointment. Registration is located directly to your right when entering the main lobbyo f the Dr. Fouad Tayfour Regional Rehabilitation Centre (Tayfour Building).
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment in order to allow enough time to register.
Referrals
Referrals to both Specialized Geriatric Services must be made by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner.
Cost
SGS at HDGH are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Services are provided with no direct costs upon presentation of a valid OHIP card.
Contact
Tayfour Campus
Tayfour Building, Casgrain
GMHOT – 2nd Floor
GAP – 3rd Floor
1453 Prince Road
Windsor, ON N9C 3Z4
HDGH Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus
12420 Lanoue St.
Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 3A5
Phone
519.257.5112
Fax
519.257.5242
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Education Resources
The following documents are educational resources for patients and their care partners.