Program Description:

Mental health specialists with training in geriatrics and with extensive knowledge of community resources are available to provide home visits within the catchment area of the Community Mental Health Center. They provide liaison services between the older adult and formal health care system, and conduct ongoing case management.

The mental health specialists also work with family members, neighbors and other informal support networks. They negotiate entitlement programs and consult with geropsychiatrists, geropsychologists, geriatric social workers and other mental health professionals. When necessary, they also spend time gaining the trust of the clients to overcome the clients' resistance to treatment.

Each patient receives a thorough psychiatric evaluation with particular attention to dementia- associated mood and behavioral changes (psychosis, restlessness, aggression, sleep changes and anxiety).

Caregivers are interviewed to determine their ongoing needs, stresses and adequacy of their present coping skills. Techniques are taught to help improve the home management of the dementia patient under care.

Special Service:

• A Spanish-speaking staff member is available.

• Program Insurance Matrix

email: psychopharmacology@umdnj.edu