Information for Health Care Professionals
Providing care for residents in community care homes is not always easy. While it comes with its set of challenges such as staffing levels, aging infrastructure, and timely assessments, these obstacles can be seen as opportunities for positive change and development. Efforts to enhance staff training in recognizing and managing mental illness and challenging behaviors, along with increased access to mental health consultants, can pave the way for improved care delivery, especially in rural and remote areas. This journey toward better mental health support is filled with potential for positive transformation in the lives of those you serve in long-term care, their family members and care partners.
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Tools and Resources
Clinician’s Pocket Card
Report produced by the CCSMH for the Canadian Standard Association
This report summarizes national and international best practices and guidance for the planning, development, and implementation of services, programs, education and training, policies, and procedures on how to support the mental health and well-being of residents in community residential settings. Click to view the report.
Position paper by CCSMH and the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry
CCSMH/CAGP Position Paper on Mental Health in Long-Term Care During COVID-19 PDF
This position paper is written in partnership with the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry and highlights the mental health care needs of older people living in long term care (LTC) settings during COVID-19 and other viral outbreaks. The position statements in this document provide actionable strategies and priorities to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of residents of LTC. Collectively we can learn from our actions in the past and make plans for a future that better meet the mental needs of individuals living in LTC.