Elderly services program: VNA of the Valley community health in Derby, Connecticut.

Since the inception of the mental health program in the VNA of the Valley the concept of providing elderly mental health services has evolved into a well-rounded psychogeriatric program. The growth of services have been reflected in the programs, structures, policies, staffing and number of persons served. Additionally, requests for service from physicians and families are increasing, calling for more creative ways to use the limited resource available. The placement of this service in a home health agency has been important in providing a comprehensive program and allowing all the resources of the agency to be used appropriately. It has been a great benefit to management and staff to have psychiatric nurses in the agency who are available for consultation on those cases that require mental health evaluation or intervention. The collaboration with the local community mental health center and its other affiliates has also been extremely important in assuring that the patient moves along the continuum of care necessary to meet his needs. Too often the elderly get lost in the maze of mental health services that are provided for the younger client who can be vocationally rehabilitated. The state of Connecticut has been progressive in allocating resources to provide services to this population that is indeed at risk for hospitalization and in danger of jeopardizing their quality of life and that of their families.