Mental Health Service for Older People | Waikato | Te Whatu Ora

Memory Service

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Non-acute specialist mental health community services

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

GP

Referral Process

There is an expectation that the Map of Medicine Midland Regional Dementia Pathway will have been used prior to referral to specialist services.
 
Entry Criteria:
 
1. People with a primary complaint of objective/observed non-rapid progressive cognitive impairment, unexplained by a pre-existing medical, surgical or psychiatric condition, with a complexity that requires Specialist assessment. i.e.
 
a) A multi-disciplinary approach to assessment is needed. AND/OR
b) The person meets at least one of the following ‘Red flag’ criteria on the Midland Regional Dementia Pathway.
a.   Less than 65 years old
b.   History of head injury now presenting with progressive cognitive impairment
c.   Culture and/or language is a barrier to assessment by Primary Care.
d.   Major Psychiatric disorder. (An assessment by Mental Health Services may be requested prior to acceptance of the referral.)
e.    Major Personality change
f.    Atypical cognitive decline
g.   Strong family history of neurodegenerative disorder
 
Exclusion Criteria:
 
1. People with a confirmed intellectual disability: Refer to the Intellectual Disability Dual Diagnosis Service (IDDDS).
 
2. People currently abusing alcohol or drugs without commitment to change.
 
3. A referral to Neurology is more appropriate for
a) People younger than 50 years old  AND/OR
b) Where there are new or unexplained neurological symptoms e.g. abnormal gait and/or movement disorder.

Description

Provision of assessment and diagnosis, treatment and advice to people, of any age, suffering from a non rapid progressive cognitive impairment.