Psychogeriatric Resource Consultants

What is a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant?

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultants (PRCs) work as advisors, educators, facilitators and network builders in partnership with the St. Joseph's Niagara Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team.

They assist staff in managing complex behaviours with a specific focus on long-term care and transition. As part of Ontario's Strategy for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the PRCs:

• Support long-term care homes and community support agencies within a designated geographic area on a priority basis, based on risk, urgency and effective use of time,
• Act as advisors, educators, facilitators and network builders,
• Help to identify gaps and integrate services to meet client and staff needs in complex situations, and
• Operate in a continuum of care model and serve as a link between inpatient, tertiary specialty and community resources.

How a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant can help you

A PRC can offer the following:

• Provide consultative support to local long-term care homes and community support agencies that serve people who exhibit challenging behaviour(s),
• Enhance local knowledge and skills,
• Inform the LTC/Community Support Services community about existing linkages and support the development of other linkages,
• Provide education and training,
• Assist and advise staff in the development of care plans and interventions for persons with behavioural issues including the use of assessment tools, and
• Develop an ongoing relationship with the LTC and community systems.