What is APCATS?
APCATS is a community-based outreach programme for frail elderly. It provides assessment and treatment, thereby preventing or delaying unnecessary treatment in inpatient mental health services and minimizing length of stay in such services. As a preventive service, APCATS provides education for clients and carers, as well as consultation to other service providers.

Our aims:
APCATS aims to prevent unnecessary admission to inpatient mental health services and minimizing length of stay in such services . In addition, it can provide support for carers and reduce their burden of care, thereby allowing the elderly to remain in the community longer and prevent premature instituitionalization.

Who need APCATS?
This service is targeted at the elderly aged 65 years and above.

The entrance criteria include client with:

•  mental disorders such as Dementia, Depressive Disorders, Psychotic Disorders
•  significant disability from their mental and/or physical illnesses and is unable or has considerable difficulties to leave home, and hence, are not helped by the standard outpatient management model
•  past history or high likelihood of defaulting their psychiatric follow-up treatment

Exclusion criterias;

•  Client diagnosed with physical disability only.
•  Clients with transient or past mental disorders but currently in remission
•  Clients who needs mainly palliative care
•  Clients who are currently residing in nursing home or other long term care facilities.

Referral and information:

APCATS will accept referrals that fulfill the entrance criteria, from health care professionals or counselors.

Operating hours :
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays

Service delivery:
The service will be delivered through a multidisciplinary team comprising medical officer, psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologist, medical social worker, occupational therapist, a programme coordinator and under the supervision of a geriatric psychiatrist.

Service Boundaries:
Admiralty
Kovan
Serangoon North
Ang Mo Kio
Lentor
Sin Ming
Bishan
Lorong Ah Soo
South Bridge Road
Bukit Batok
Mandai
Tanjong Pagar
Bukit Merah
Marsiling
Toa Payoh
Bukit Panjang
Outram
Upper Thomson
Bukit Timah
Pasir Panjang
Woodlands
Holland
Sembawang
Yio Chu Kang
Hougang
Sengkang
Yishun
Jalan Kayu
Serangoon Central

Charges:

Service provided is chargeable according to home visits made and it ranges from $60 to $250. However, financial assistance is available and client and family will be subjected to means testing.

For enquiries:
Call us at the number below.

The Aged Psychiatry Community Assessment & Treatment Service

Tel: 6389 - 2175
Email: apcats@imh.com.sg
Fax: 6385 - 1051
Please click here to download the referral form.