APCATS is a community-oriented psychogeriatric outreach service. It has two programmes: APCATS Clinical Service (CS) and Regional Eldercare Agencies Partnership (REAP).
APCATS Clinical Service (CS) provides assessments and treatments for homebound or frail elderly with mental health disorders. It aims to:
- Provide mental health services to the elderly who are frail or who have difficulties accessing mental health services;
- Prevent unnecessary admissions and minimise the length of stay in wards / other inpatient mental health services;
- Promote ageing-in-place in the community by supporting caregivers and reducing their burden of care.
Services
APCATS is delivered through a multidisciplinary team comprising medical officers, psychologists, geriatric-psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and medical social workers under the supervision of a consultant geriatric psychiatrist. Its services include:
- Assessment
The assessment is generally conducted in the client's home. - Treatment
The treatment is pitched at the resolution or alleviation of symptoms of psychiatric disorders, reducing behavioural disabilities, and relieving stress on caregivers through comprehensive psychogeriatric management strategies. These strategies include pharmacological, psychological and social interventions, via a range of hospital and community-based resources. - Psycho-education
Education is provided to support clients, families and caregivers to assist them to make informed choices on services and appropriate accommodation. - Case Management
Case managers conduct assessments and formulate individualised service plans. They also provide liaison services in referring clients to other appropriate services. - Medication Home Delivery
This service is available for clients who meet the Clinical Services eligibility criteria.
