One of the greatest measures of our own humanity is how we treat our most vulnerable. A particularly vulnerable group in our province are frail seniors with late-life mental illness, many of whom are unable to advocate for themselves.
Mental illness is a reality for at least 20 per cent of Nova Scotia’s seniors. Despite the prevalence, this population has faced tremendous stigma related to mental illness and ageism, with associated neglect by the health care system and community. With the exponential growth of the seniors population in the coming decades, the full range of needs for seniors with late onset mental illness can no longer be ignored.
The Seniors Enhanced Quality of Life Program encompasses a variety of social, spiritual and recreational activities including music, gardening, baking, movies, television and a specialized program for those who are at a particular physical and/or mental disadvantage due to their illness. Your support of this ground-breaking program will help significantly enhance the lives of disadvantaged seniors living with mental illness.
Best evidence suggests a senior population similar to those at the Nova Scotia Hospital’s, Willow Hall, experiences less than 10 minutes of meaningful activity per day. The Seniors Enhanced Quality of Life Program gives patients choice, creates more meaningful activity, increases the likelihood for reintegration into the community and improves their quality of life overall.
With the opportunity to once again take pleasure in music, watch a favourite film, work in a garden or bake a fresh batch of cookies, these seniors will regain their sense of value. Once again, they experience meaningful activity and maintain their independence by re-engaging in many of the activities they love.
Willow Hall
Willow Hall is a 19-bed specialized seniors’ (65+) mental health inpatient unit within the Nova Scotia Hospital, home to the most severe late-onset psychiatric illnesses. Established to provide province-wide access to senior-specific mental health care, beds at Willow Hall are in high demand.
Many seniors on Willow Hall are “system orphans” who have been left behind by their community because they have no family or because their care needs are simply too difficult. Many are considered “unclassifiable” due to their combination of mental illness, cognitive disorder and/or physical limitations. Willow Hall becomes their home, to the end of their lives.
Community Living Initiative
It started with a vision. A home away from home for people living with a mental illness to get back on their feet after a hospital stay. A brand new model of mental health care.
When Capital Health decided to turn this vision into a reality with the creation of the Community Living Initiative transitional housing project, a group of passionate and talented community leaders came together to change lives of Nova Scotians faced with the challenges of their mental illness. But instead changing a few lives, they rallied together an entire community. A community that wanted better care for the more than 200,000 Nova Scotians impacted by mental illness. A community that wanted to make a difference.
An intermediate living arrangement which will provide support to patients who have had a period of stabilization in hospital – but require further support before transitioning back into the community.
Four residential-style transitional housing units, each with the capacity to accommodate 10 patients, will feature their own entrances and will be designed to replicate living arrangements that would be found in any community. Each unit includes 10 bedrooms featuring ensuite washrooms, bathing facilities, a kitchen, laundry area and common areas.
For information on how you can support this unique initiative, call 902.464.6000 or at mentalhealthns.ca.
Capital District Mental Health Program
The Capital District Mental Health Program provides services and support to people who are experiencing mental illness or mental health issues. Services and support are available to people who live in communities from Windsor to Sheet Harbour and range from crisis intervention to recovery and integration services.
Some programs have a provincial mandate and therefore are available to people across Nova Scotia.
The majority of mental health services are provided at three facilities: Nova Scotia Hospital, East Coast Forensic Hospital and the Abbie J. Lane. Many more are located in the community with five community mental health teams.
The goal is to continue expanding this community-based service to improve access for mental health consumers. To lend your support, call us at 902.464.6000.