Effective models of mental health care are imperative to meeting the needs of individuals residing in nursing homes. Dr. Daniel Varon will discuss the various approaches to providing mental health care in different nursing home environments, including the historical evolution and policies that guide care. Ms. Kollar will address the challenges associated with transfers between psychiatric and nursing home settings (e.g., acceptance, misconceptions of nursing home care). Dr. Solai will present an overview of the innovations in, and alternatives, to nursing home-based care for individuals with neurocognitive disorders and other psychiatric conditions and development of new unit at Kane Hospital.

Location: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Auditorium

For More Information: Please contact Frances Patrick (patrickfm@upmc.edu).

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this lecture, participants should be able to:

1. Identify different nursing home environments currently available and the policies used to guide care at these facilities.  
2. Describe some of the challenges associated with transitioning care from inpatient psychiatric units to nursing home settings.
3. Describe the innovations at long term care facilities and alternatives to nursing home-based care for individuals with neurocognitive disorders and other psychiatric conditions.

Continuing Education Credit:  The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other health care professionals are awarded .15 continuing education units (CEUs), which are equal to 1.5 contact hours. In accordance with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education requirements on disclosure, information about relationships of presenters with commercial interests (if any) will be included in materials which will be distributed at the time of the conference. WPIC is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. WPIC maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. This program is being offered for 1.5 continuing education credits.