Older Persons Mental Health Services | Southern

The Mental Health for Older Person’s service provides assessment and treatment for those aged 65 and over, in the Southern DHB region, who have an identified moderate to severe mental illness (including Dementia with behavioral and psychological disturbance) which is causing significant dysfunction and / or enduring disability. 

The team aims to help people live as full a life and independently as possible. Appointments can be provided in a variety of settings  including home, rest home or Community Mental Health offices.

Inpatient Services for Older People are provided at Dunedin Hospital's Ward 6C. Ward 6C is a 12-bed acute assessment and treatment unit for people aged over 65 years with mental health needs.

We aim to offer a safe, supervised environment to assess your needs and provide any treatment you may require during your admission. We do not provide long-term care as you will be going home or to another facility in the community when you are discharged. Length of stay is variable and depends on the individual patient’s needs.

Location:

6th Floor, Dunedin Hospital, 201 Great King Street

The Gibson Day Unit offers a Monday to Friday, but not on Public Holidays, day-based service providing comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services to clients over 65 years old with Mental Health needs. We aim to assist individuals in meeting their immediate physical and emotional needs and help them to achieve or maintain their highest possible level of health within the community.

The Gibson Day Unit runs groups Monday through Friday. Each day caters for patients with different needs.

Location:

Ground Floor, Main Hospital Block, Dunedin Hospital, 201 Great King Street

Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPN) provide a service Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 not including Public Holidays, assessing, treating and monitoring clients in their own homes. We will work with you and your family to establish a therapeutic relationship. Together with you, an objective goal-orientated care plan will be formulated. You are encouraged to contribute to this plan and we will support you to ensure your needs are identified. Our aim is to provide you with support to enable you to live as independently as possible and enjoy your life. 

The Nurse Practitioner is an expert role working independently and collaboratively with other health professionals and carers to enhance the care and support of other people with significant mental health problems in the community.

Location:

Ground Floor, Main Hospital Block, Dunedin Hospital, 201 Great King Street