Mental health program for seniors expands province-wide

Specialized mental health resources for seniors, available for years in Charlottetown and launched in West Prince in May, will be launched in Kings County by the end of the year.

Health Minister Robert Henderson said in a news release his department is getting positive feedback on the new West Prince program.

"More than 50 seniors have received help since the program began in Prince County," said Henderson.

The teams include nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and consulting psychologists. Care is provided to seniors at home, in community care and in long-term care facilities.

A special problem for the elderly

Mental illness is more prevalent in seniors than any other age group, according to the province. Issues can be prompted by grief and loss, lack of mobility, isolation and physical health issues.

"We create a treatment plan for complex needs that cannot be met by primary and secondary care alone," West Prince team supervisor Donna MacIntyre said.

With the expansion to Kings County, annual funding for the program will be more than $900,000.

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