For individuals 65+ experiencing dementia or complex mental illness
Ontario Shores provides specialized services to meet the mental health needs of individuals 65 years of age and older who suffer from dementia and/or complex mental illness with challenging behaviours. Healthcare professionals use a blended approach of behaviour therapy and medication to address the individualized assessment, diagnostic and treatment needs of seniors to help them return to the community or transition into long-term care. Staff at Ontario Shores also work in partnership with other seniors-focused organizations to provide an optimal level of care and support for patients, caregivers and families.
Depending on the patient's individual care needs and their current living arrangements they may benefit from one of our outpatient services (listed below) which could include consultation with a long-term-care home or visits to an outpatient clinic. Alternatively if the client has more serious or complex mental illness and challenging behaviours, admission to one of our inpatient units (listed below) might be recommended for stabilization before returning to long term care.
To access any of these services, begin by having a family doctor, nurse practitioner, long term care home, or other specialist send a referral to Ontario Shores. Our Central Intake team will review the referral and recommend the best service for your needs.
Outpatient Services
- Geriatric Mental Health Clinic
For seniors aged 65 and older with a psychiatric concern that is either treatment resistant or complex in nature presenting with one or more of the following: cognitive changes, behavioural changes, mood changes, anxiety or psychotic symptoms. - Long Term Care (LTC) Outreach Team
For residents of long-term-care facilities who have a psychiatric concern that is either treatment resistant or complex in nature presenting with one or more of the following: cognitive changes, behavioural changes, mood changes, anxiety or psychotic symptoms. - Psychogeriatric Resource Consultation (PRC)
Provides consultative support and education to staff at Long-Term Care facilities, community service agencies and homecare organizations including Community Care Access Centre.
Inpatient Services
- Geriatric Psychiatry Unit (GPU)
For individuals 65 years or older who have a severe or complex age-related mental illness with psychiatric or physical needs. - Geriatric Dementia Unit (GDU)
For individuals 65 years or older who have age-related dementia, experiencing behavioural challenges and resistance to treatment. - Geriatric Transitional Unit (GTU)
For individuals 55 years or older who have age-related dementia, who show behavioural challenges and resistance to treatment, with a goal of reintegration to community or long-term care.
