b'SPECIALIZED MENTAL HEALTHSupporting younger residents with severe mental illness in long-term careBy Sarah AndersonL ong-term care homes inIdeally, in the future we will see thelong-term care home on the grounds Ontario are seeing an influx increation of specialized mental healthof the Royal Ottawa Mental Health the number of applications oflong-term care homes that follow aCentre. The majority of our residents potential residents diagnosed withmodel of care specifically designedlive with mental illness and are a severe mental illness (SMI). Manywith this clientele in mind. Until then,younger than the average long-term of these individuals are under thethere is action we can take to make acare residents. age of 65 years and do not have adifference now. diagnosis of dementia, both of whichOne in two Canadians have, or have are required criteria for a referral toLong-term care homes can implementhad, a mental illness by the time geriatric psychiatry or the Behaviouralmany interventions to support thethey reach 40 years of age and over Support Ontario program.admission and continuing care of80% of individuals with a mental individuals with SMI. Below is someillness also have a chronic physical In many cases, these individualsinformation and strategies from ourcondition. Increased mortality is noted simply have nowhere else to go.experience at Royal Ottawa Place, ain individuals with SMI in comparison Make Life Better with Musicwww.musiccare.org26 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2023'