The Evergreen Programme is an inpatient group-based programme designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of services users aged 65 and older at St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS).
What is involved?
The Evergreen Programme provides for the different needs of older adults and people who care for them.
The programme focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults experiencing mental health challenges, supporting their independence and overall wellness.
By taking part in the programme, some key themes you will explore include:
- Caring for others, caring for self
- Community mobility and transportation
- Growing older and changing patterns of activity
- Maintaining mental wellbeing
- Maintaining physical wellbeing
- Making the most of your memory
- Safety at home and in the community
- Social relationships and maintaining friendships
- Understanding and managing medications
Who delivers the programme?
Our Evergreen Programme is delivered by the Older Adult Service team. This is an experienced team of healthcare professionals, including experts in psychiatry, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, nursing, and pharmacy. They work together to support the unique needs of older adults who are experiencing mental health challenges or are at risk of relapse.
The experts manage different groups within the programme. Below is a brief overview of the work done by each group.
Psychiatry
The psychiatry groups focus on health topics that directly relate to older adults. They pay particular attention to quality of life as a key marker of how you view your health. The groups discuss issues ranging from physical illness, key emotional needs, and improved mental wellbeing in later life.
Occupational therapy
The occupational therapy group focuses on empowering you to make positive lifestyle changes. You will get support to change how you approach daily activities and routines to improve your functionality, health, and wellbeing.
Social work
The social work group explores changes to your role and changes associated with the ageing process. Group sessions provide an overview of topics including losses in later life, understanding grief, dealing with losses and changes, and creating a strong support system.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy group covers a range of topics, including common psychiatric drug treatments, how ageing can affect drug treatments, and general information about all medicines. How to improve medication awareness and monitoring are also explored and advice is given on dealing with common medication side-effects.
Nursing
The nursing group explores a range of topics that relate to mental and physical wellbeing. Group sessions explore sleep hygiene, maintaining safety, preventing falls, taking medication correctly and setting positive goals.
Psychology
The psychology group focuses on exploring changes to your memory and your ability to understand ideas as part of the normal ageing process. Ways to make the most of mental abilities in later life are explored.
Activity
There are many activity and volunteer groups held as part of the programme, where you can get involved in various activities including pet therapy, chair exercises, tai chi, and computers.
How long is the programme?
The Evergreen Programme takes place over a period of five weeks. However, depending on your individual needs, this period may be shortened or extended.
How do I access the programme?
To access the Evergreen Programme, you must be a current inpatient service user at SPMHS. The programme is delivered in a group format, with groups taking place in person.
Access to the programme is only through referral through your multidisciplinary team (MDT) at SPMHS. If you have any further questions or would like more information about the Evergreen Programme, please speak with a member of your MDT.
Following referral, the programme coordinator will meet with you to provide further information around the programme. You will be provided with an induction book which includes a timetable and relevant information.
