Older adult mental health services launched

At a double celebration today, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton opened the new premises of the Joondalup Older Adult Mental Health Service and launched Australia's first dedicated Older Adult Mental Health Hospital In The Home (HITH) service.

The new facility for the Joondalup Older Adult Mental Health Service at Grace House on Grand Boulevard will offer benefits to both consumers and to the service.

"Improved access and a modern and well-equipped facility will enhance the ability of the Joondalup Older Adult Mental Health Service to deliver first-rate clinical and therapeutic services for older adults with mental illness living in the local community," Mrs Morton said.

The Minister also officially launched the Older Adult HITH service. This service commenced on July 1, 2014 with four beds and will double its capacity to eight beds by the end of the year.

Operating from Shenton Park, the service is for those who are acutely unwell, considered low to moderate risk, pass a physical health assessment and are living in stable accommodation within the city catchment area.

"This new HITH service is a first for Australia. Specifically working with older adult patients, it will offer a contemporary and safe alternative for those who would normally require hospital admission when their needs exceed the level of support provided by Community Mental Health Services," Mrs Morton said.

"Importantly, by providing treatment in the home, the Older Adult HITH service enables individuals to maintain as much of their normal routine as possible during a period of acute illness."

The Older Adult HITH operates seven days per week from 8.30am to 9pm with Selby Inpatient Unit providing out of hours support.

This service joins the HITH program that has been running for a decade from the mental health unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and the Graylands HITH launched in April this year.

Each HITH consumer has a co-signed care plan in place, in the event that they become more unwell and need to be admitted to hospital. Individuals are supported by a case manager to co-ordinate their care in addition to specialist mental health clinicians who visit the home every day to review and monitor treatment and progress.

Minister's office - 6552 6900