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Wandsworth Older Adults Service is a community-based service for adults aged 75+ who are experiencing mental health difficulties. that cannot be supported in primary care. We provide assessment for a potential dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for people of any age.
The Service comprises of five teams who work together to provide appropriate care and support according to patient or carer needs. There is also strong collaboration with colleagues in other healthcare services, social care and the voluntary sector.
- Service Type: Specialist Services
- Address: Wandsworth Older People, Elizabeth Newton Building, Entrance 2, Springfield University Hospital, Elizabeth Newton Way, London, SW17 0YG
- Reception hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
- Reception phone number: 020 3513 5000
About our care
The Service includes different professionals: consultant psychiatrists specialising in supporting older people, community psychiatric nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and recovery support workers. Patients are seen in outpatient clinics or in their own home.
Depending on needs and circumstances, patients are supported by one of the following teams, with easy transition between teams if required.
Recovery Support Team (RST):
The Recovery Support Team supports people with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. An initial assessment will include a discussion of the main concerns and a collaborative approach to developing an appropriate care plan. This plan will include a medication review and consideration of other interventions such as individual psychotherapy or occupational therapy.
Memory Assessment Service (MAS):
This is a primarily a dementia diagnosis service which reviews people with concerns about their memory or cognition. A typical assessment will include the clinician taking a detailed account of the patient or carer’s concerns and undertaking an appropriate cognitive assessment. It will be considered whether further investigations such as a brain scan are recommended. Post-diagnostic treatment and support is offered if appropriate, as well as advice on maintaining brain health.
Community Behaviour and Communication Support Service (CBACSS):
This service provides support for people with an existing dementia diagnosis who are also experiencing significant behavioural or psychological symptoms in the context of their dementia. A holistic assessment will be completed to consider possible interventions with a strong focus on psychological, social, environmental or communication strategies. Appropriate medication treatments will also be considered.
Behaviour and Communication Support Service (BACSS):
This service provides support for care home residents with an existing dementia diagnosis who are also experiencing significant behavioural or psychological symptoms. A holistic assessment will be completed to consider possible interventions with a strong focus on psychological, occupational, environmental or communication strategies. Clinicians work closely with care home staff. Appropriate medication treatments will also be considered.
Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialist Service (DCNS):
This service is run by Clinical Nurse Specialists with expertise in dementia and associated issues. The service supports people living with dementia and their carers to understand and manage dementia symptoms more effectively, particularly when the person is more vulnerable or at risk of hospital admission. This support includes linking people with other local services in the voluntary or social care sectors to maintain health and wellbeing.
Who is this service for?
The service is for adults aged 75+ who are experiencing mental health difficulties that cannot be supported in Primary Care.
People of any age who require an assessment for dementia, or who have mental health needs in the context of an existing dementia diagnosis
Referrals and access
The service accepts referrals from GPs via the e-Referral Service (e-RS).
Referrals to BACSS team may be accepted direct from care home staff.
