Programs & Services

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The BPSD Shared Interest Forum is one of the best examples of the enormous potential and contribution of IPA Member Forums to IPA and the field of Psychogeriatrics.  The BPSD group began as a result of two IPA expert consensus meetings, one in 1996 and the other in 1999. The review and discussion of the broad array of seemingly unrelated behaviors and symptoms spawned the development of The IPA Complete Guides to BPSD. The BPSD Shared Interest Forum has also been the impetus for numerous IPA Meeting, Congress and IPA Learning Portal (online education) presentations.

Capacity - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The Capacity Shared Interest Forum has concentrated on one such area, involving the ability of an individual to execute a will directing the dispensation of their estate after death. Such transfers of wealth can stimulate discord in families, and are often challenged on grounds of lack of capacity or the presence of undue influence. Laws governing wills differ internationally, and the role of mental health professions in guiding courts also differs internationally. The Capacity Shared Interest Forum has been convened to explore these international differences, and to educate mental health professionals on the issues that relate to determination of capacity. The Capacity Shared Interest Forum convenes at IPA Congresses and Meetings and via the online IPA Member Forums.  We are currently working on publications and symposia for upcoming IPA Meetings.

Corporate Partner Program - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

IPA Corporate Partners… Partners for better mental health for older people aims to improve and advance the mental health of older people, IPA recognizes that it needs the full involvement and support of the Psychogeriatrics field, not only its membership of academics, clinicians, and researchers, but also its colleagues in the various and diverse industries who are concerned about the wellbeing of older adults. Essentially, the IPA Corporate Partner program is a customized program where IPA and the company design a set of initiatives that meet our common goals and priorities to serve the field of Psychogeriatrics and improve the mental health of older people. This unique relationship enables IPA and industry to leverage their collective expertise to:

• Advance IPA’s mission of better mental health for older people
• Collaborate as partners on educational and research projects that complement industry and IPA common goals and initiatives
• Educate the world about Psychogeriatrics and best practice
• Support and disseminate the latest research in the field
• Foster innovation and new approaches
• Communicate the importance of geriatric mental health issues to regulatory and government agencies, governments and their leaders worldwide

Corporate Partner Program - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

IPA Corporate Partners… Partners for better mental health for older people aims to improve and advance the mental health of older people, IPA recognizes that it needs the full involvement and support of the Psychogeriatrics field, not only its membership of academics, clinicians, and researchers, but also its colleagues in the various and diverse industries who are concerned about the wellbeing of older adults. Essentially, the IPA Corporate Partner program is a customized program where IPA and the company design a set of initiatives that meet our common goals and priorities to serve the field of Psychogeriatrics and improve the mental health of older people. This unique relationship enables IPA and industry to leverage their collective expertise to:

• Advance IPA’s mission of better mental health for older people
• Collaborate as partners on educational and research projects that complement industry and IPA common goals and initiatives
• Educate the world about Psychogeriatrics and best practice
• Support and disseminate the latest research in the field
• Foster innovation and new approaches
• Communicate the importance of geriatric mental health issues to regulatory and government agencies, governments and their leaders worldwide

Guide to the Psychiatry of Old Age - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

Holding the Past, Handling the Future - Beyond Empathy

Holding the Past, Handling the Future is a creative ageing project for Older people.

IPA Complete Guides to Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) developed The IPA Complete Guides to BPSD which, although helpful to all geriatric healthcare providers, was prepared with a view toward the different perspectives of the many professions that encounter patients with BPSD. To address your practice needs, The IPA Complete Guides to BPSD is designed to serve as a reference tool or as a training resource. When used for training, the individual guides of The IPA Complete Guides to BPSD series, as well as each module contained within The IPA Complete Guides to BPSD – Specialists Guide, can be used alone or together in a tailored approach to create your own customized program.

Long-Term Care - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The Long-Term Care Shared Interest Forum welcomes all members of IPA who express an interest in participating in the forum and/or attending meetings to discuss matters relating to Long-Term Care.

My Generation - Mind Cymru

My Generation is a free eight week programme for older people which aims to improve wellbeing, build resilience and reduce isolation and loneliness. Each session is two hours. In the first hour we cover topics such as coping with loss, relaxation and mindfulness, problem solving and stress management. In the second half of the session we do an activity which can be anything from gentle exercise to a history talk. You'll also have the chance to learn about other projects in your areas that could help you, and find out how you can help others.

Outreach and Education - The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation

The GMHF maintains a presence on the Internet through To educate the public and provide resources. The Foundation’s site features consumer information, news, resources, and a find-a-doctor feature, which lists psychiatrist members of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry who are accepting new patients. The Foundation’s aging and mental health series of brochures covers such topics as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and misuse, healthy aging, caregiving, sleep disorders, and disaster preparedness. Single copies of brochures are provided free of charge; bulk quantities may be purchased at cost.

Professional Discipline Forums - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

IPA Professional Discipline Member Forums bring together IPA members of various disciplines and high interest in the field such as nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, primary care physicians, and social workers to explore mental health and aging issues, from their professional perspective, on a worldwide basis, to identify activities and programs that will benefit themselves, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. The IPA Professional Discipline Forums collaborate with one another via online Forums and at the various IPA Meetings and Congresses. The Chair and members of each Professional Discipline Forum must be IPA members in good standing. Currently, there are activities in the following Professional Disciplines:

• Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Primary Care Physicians
• Psychologists
• Social Workers

Regional Initiative Forums - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

IPA Regional Initiative Forums connect members in specific areas of the world with the goal of encouraging the development and advancement of the field of Psychogeriatrics. The Regional Initiative Forums facilitate the sharing of information for professionals by providing an organized place for the exchange of information and identification of issues specific to their region; facilitating coordination for projects to address unique issues in the various regions of the world This is accomplished through IPA Regional Meetings and Congresses, the IPA Member Forums (online), relationships with regional organizations, regional working groups, website content, online discussions and other vehicles. The Chair and members of each Regional Initiative Forum must be IPA members in good standing. Currently, Regional Initiative Forums are active in four areas of the world:

• Africa
• Asia Pacific
• Eastern Europe
• Ibero-Latin America

Shared Interest Forums - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The Shared Interest Forums are member groups sharing interests in specific areas of research, practice and care. Each Shared Interest Forum concentrates on one specific, shared interest and collaborates on programs and resources addressing this issue. It is an excellent opportunity to delve more into a particular area with colleagues who are also concerned with an issue. The current Shared Interest Forums are:

• Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
• Capacity
• Long-Term Care
• Young Onset Dementia

The Geriatric Psychiatry Program - The Royal Mental Health Care

The Geriatric Psychiatry Program of The Royal provides a range of services to meet the mental health needs of adults 65 years of age and over. Working together with families, primary care physicians, community psychiatrists and community agencies, their staff helps individuals improve the quality of their life and achieve their optimal level of functioning. The team of professionals includes psychiatrists specializing in the care of older adults, psychologists, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers and support staff as well as a dedicated group of volunteers. Services are provided in English and French. The Geriatric Psychiatry Program provides treatment and support through a number of services designed to care for older adults according to their needs and in all stages of their illnesses. Each service works closely with the patient’s family, primary care physicians, community psychiatrists and/or community agencies.

• Outpatient Service: the Geriatric Outpatient service is a consultation service offering professional advice and psychiatric expertise to referring primary care physicians and psychiatrists. Follow-up treatment may be offered for selected cases. This service also provides the initial assessment for all patients referred to the Geriatric Psychiatry Day Hospital and in-patient units.
• The Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach Service to all Ottawa long-term care homes has been developed to assist administrators, physicians, and direct care staff of long-term care homes to meet the mental health needs of their residents. A geriatric psychiatrist and outreach nurse team provide a minimum of monthly on-site assessments, recommendations and support for the implementation of treatment recommendations in each of the long-term care homes of Ottawa. Case-based learning and formal teaching programs tailored to meet the educational needs of the long-term care staff are also provided. These nurse and psychiatrist teams also provided the liaison with hospital-based services of The Royal. Geriatric psychiatrists from The Royal also provide the physician component to the following geriatric mental health outreach and community services.
• Renfrew County Geriatric Mental Health Outreach services
• Tri-county Mental Health Services geriatric team
• Lanark County Geriatric Mental Health Outreach services
• Leeds-Grenville Geriatric Mental Health Outreach services
• The Geriatric Psychiatry Day Hospital provides day treatment and crisis intervention for persons who require urgent and intensive treatment, but can live safely in the community. This service can accommodate a total of 45 participants in the English and French components of the program. The Geriatric Psychiatry Day Hospital provides assessment as well as individual and group treatment. The group process provides the basic structure of daily programming. The average length of stay for patients is approximately 12 to 16 weeks.
• Ottawa In-patient Service: patients with severe, multiple and/or complex psychiatric illnesses may be admitted to this 43-bed geriatric psychiatry unit for specialized treatment. Patients have been evaluated by a geriatric psychiatrist either in a community clinic, a long-term care home or a hospital prior to admission. This service is a resource for the entire Champlain region and admissions are prioritized by the referring geriatric psychiatrists who recommended admission.

Length of stay is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Planning for follow-up and/or continuation of care after discharge from this specialized inpatient service starts early, as we need to maintain access to this scarce resource for our region. The transition back to the patient’s previous residence is facilitated by geriatric mental health outreach and day hospital services as appropriate.

The Scholars Funct - The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation

The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation’s Scholars Fund is designed to expose medical students and young physicians to the rewarding field of geriatric psychiatry in an effort to increase the number of medical professionals expertly trained to care for the growing older population. Funds will be used to support Scholars’ activities during the AAGP Annual Meeting including a structured mentorship program; provide scholarships to AAGP’s focused educational programs; pay for memberships in the Association to give trainees full access to all AAGP member programs and activities; and develop tools for medical students and residents to make informed choices about their medical careers. 

Young Onset Dementia - International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)

The Young Onset Dementia Shared Interest Forum: aims to establishing a network of professionals and researchers that are involved in the care and research of people with Young Onset Dementia; exchanging ideas between countries in order to improve care for people with Young Onset Dementia and establish international research projects