Dementia and older people community mental health support

Our older people’s mental health and dementia services sit under the banner of SOAMHS (Specialist Older Adult Mental Health Services). 

Our services differ slightly between areas, so please choose the area that you live in.

SOAMHS provides specialist support and treatment relating to health and social care needs to older adults experiencing moderate to severe and complex mental health issues, including dementia.

SOAMHS considers referrals for individuals aged 70 with complex mental health issues and also people who have complex mental health issues and are experiencing significant frailty, disability or complex needs related to the aging process.

 

Our multidisciplinary teams provide:

  1. Individual assessment and intervention co-ordinated by a Lead Practitioner
  2. Intensive support and interventions for people who need more help, which may include having contact with several team members, or having access to services during evenings and weekends.

Access to the service is via a GP referral.  

When we have accepted your referral, a member of the team will get in contact with you either by telephone or letter to offer you an appointment. We can meet with you at one of our venues or in your home, if appropriate.

You may have a friend or family member with you during the assessment, and we will sometimes contact family members to organise the appointment if this is stated as a preference by the GP, for example if you have experiencing memory or communication difficulties.

At the appointment we will discuss with you what support we feel could help you, and how we can offer this. As a result, you may be signposted to other services who can support you, or a care plan will be discussed with you in order for your needs to be met moving forward, a lead practitioner within SOAMHS may also be allocated at this time. 

Our services are comprised of a number of staff with different roles, which may include:

  • Team leader
  • Medical staff
  • Mental health nurses
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychological professionals
  • Support workers
  • Social workers (Brighton & Hove only)
  • Peer/carer support workers
  • Administrative staff

If you need urgent help and are concerned about an immediate risk of harm please call 999 or, if you are able, go to your nearest A&E.


Alzheimer's Society

Tel: 0333 150 3456

www.alzheimers.org.uk


Dementia UK

Tel: 0800 888 6678

www.dementiauk.org


Age UK

www.ageuk.org.uk


Mind

Tel: 0300 123 3393 or Text 86463

www.mind.org.uk


NHS 111

Tel: NHS 111 and select the mental health option


Carers Support West Sussex

Tel: 0300 028 8888
Web: 
www.carerssupport.org.uk


Care for the Carers (East Sussex)

Tel: 01323 738390
Web:
www.cftc.org.uk
Text: 07860 077300
Email:
info@cftc.org.uk


Carers Hub for Brighton and Hove

Tel: 01273 977000
Web: 
www.carershub.co.uk


Other websites

Resources