What We Do

Three older adults playing a puzzle game called Jenga at a table and drinking tea.

The CCSMH is committed to improving the quality of care and support for older adults throughout Canada by working tirelessly to bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, ensuring that mental health receives the attention it deserves within the realm of aging. The Coalition’s mission is rooted in evidence-based approaches, compassionate advocacy, and the unwavering belief that every older adult deserves the best possible mental health care.

Furthermore, the CCSMH recognizes the vital importance of advocacy and building general awareness about the mental health needs of older adults. We are committed to being advocates for older adults, working diligently to elevate the discourse surrounding mental health in this population. We strive to shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults and advocate for improved mental health care policies and resources. By amplifying the voices of older adults and their care partners, the Coalition aims to foster a greater understanding of their mental health needs and promote a society that honours and supports their well-being.

Our Focus Areas

Our comprehensive focus areas include Anxiety, Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), Delirium, Depression, Mental Health in Long-Term Care, Social Isolation and Loneliness, Suicide Risk and Prevention of Suicide, Substance Use and Addiction, and Wellness in Aging.

By collaborating with experts in various fields, conducting rigorous research, and staying at the forefront of emerging knowledge, we strive to provide up-to-date and relevant guidelines and education opportunities that address the unique mental health needs of older adults. Through research and resources, the Coalition seeks to promote understanding and awareness, support effective interventions and influence public policies that enhance the overall well-being of older adults.

Anxiety in Older Adults

Discover Resources

Anxiety is not a normal part of aging and misconceptions about anxiety in older adults have led to it being underrecognized and undertreated. 

View Our Anxiety Resources

Depression in Older Adults

Discover Resources

Depression is not a typical part of aging. There are many ways to treat depression including by improving lifestyle and social supports, counselling, and medication.

View Our Depression Resources

Suicide Risk and Prevention

Discover Resources

Many factors can contribute to suicide in older adults. These include mental illness, divorce, bereavement, lack of social support and problems with physical health or finances.

View Our Suicide Risk & Prevention Resources

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Discover Resources

For many people living with dementia, changes to mood and behaviour are common. These behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can affect the quality of life for people living with dementia, their friends, families and health care providers supporting them.

View Our Resources for BPSD

Substance Use and Addiction

Discover Resources

Substance misuse and dependency among older adults is a growing but neglected issue. With many older adults taking sometimes complicated regimens of multiple prescribed medications each day, substance misuse is common.

View Our Resources for Substance Abuse

Wellness in Aging

Discover Resources

Mental health can be improved through promoting active and healthy aging. Mental health promotion for older adults involves creating living conditions and environments that support wellbeing and that support all people to lead a healthy life.

View Our Resources for Wellness in Aging

Delirium in Older Adults

Discover Resources

Delirium, a common and serious condition encountered in older adults, is a sudden and severe disturbance in thinking. It can cause changes in a person’s ability to stay alert, remember, be oriented to time or place, and speak or reason clearly. 

View Our Resources for Delirium

Mental Health in Long-Term Care

Discover Resources

Transitioning from independent living to a long-term care facility can be very difficult for older adults.  More than two in five Canadian seniors living in LTC are diagnosed with or have symptoms of depression (CIHI, 2010).

View Our Resources for Long-term Care

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Discover Resources

In Canada, older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. This can affect both their physical and mental health.

View Our Social Isolation & Loneliness Resources