Home care of the elderly with mental health needs

A King's Fund report on mental health in London (1997) highlighted the difficulty of adequately meeting the needs of older people with mental health problems. This article describes the work of the home nursing team, a London project that aims to provide appropriate care for this group of clients during the acute phase of their illness. The six-member mixed-grade nursing team provides care in the client's own home, providing an alternative to hospital admission. The team aims to be sensitive to the needs and wishes of clients and involve them in decisions about their care. Team members work closely with carers and other services, ensuring continuity of care.