The Older Adult Community Mental Health Team (OA CMHT) East Lancashire, an integral service of Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, is dedicated to providing specialised support for individuals aged 65 and over who are experiencing complex and persistent mental health challenges. Our comprehensive services also extend to those under 65 who have received a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, ensuring that a crucial demographic receives timely and appropriate care within East Lancashire.
Our dedicated team within Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust offers a multi-faceted approach to mental well-being. This includes thorough assessments to understand each individual's specific needs and circumstances. This foundational step often leads to a precise diagnosis, which is vital for tailoring effective interventions. Following diagnosis, we develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans, drawing upon evidence-based practices to promote recovery and improve quality of life. A significant aspect of our work involves education, empowering both service users and their families with knowledge about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and available resources. Crucially, all support is delivered through highly individualised care planning, ensuring that each person's unique journey and preferences are at the heart of their care.
Access to the Older Adult Community Mental Health Team (OA CMHT) East Lancashire is primarily facilitated through General Practitioners (GPs). This established referral pathway is paramount as it enables the crucial initial step of addressing or ruling out any underlying physical health conditions that might be contributing to, or exacerbating, mental health symptoms. This integrated approach ensures a holistic view of the individual's health. Once a referral is made by a GP, it is directed to our Single Point of Access (SPoA) team. The SPoA acts as a central hub, responsible for meticulously triaging and processing all incoming referrals. This rigorous process is essential to guarantee the appropriateness of referrals, confirming that each case aligns with our service's scope and criteria. Furthermore, the SPoA team is instrumental in allocating individuals to the most suitable team within the broader mental health services offered by Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring that everyone receives care from the specialists best equipped to meet their specific needs.
As a face-to-face service, the OA CMHT East Lancashire provides in-person support, fostering direct engagement and building strong therapeutic relationships.
Contact Information:
Office: 01282 657 354
http://www.lscft.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-z/community-mental-health-team-older-adults
