The new mental health project is being tested to empower older people with mental health needs to regain their independence.
The collaboration, between NHS Lancashire, South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Lancashire County Council and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, will assist mental health hospital patients who are ready for discharge.
The older patients will be moved and supported in a community setting, where they will be assessed in a care home over a six-week period to understand what support they need in place in order to return home or to longer-term care settings.
Graham Gooch, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “This trailblazing project provides an innovative and ground-breaking approach that aligns with this vision, enabling people to maintain their dignity and retain their independence.
“We anticipate it will provide truly personalised care that meets need and is yet another example of how effective collaborative working can achieve better outcomes for Lancashire residents.”
Patients who will take part in the project will benefit from extra support from mental health social workers, mental health nurses, a residential team, and therapists such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists depending on their need.
One innovative part of the pilot is the use of digital technology as mainly part of the project.
The pilot will run until March 2023 in three care homes in East Lancashire, Preston and Morecambe Bay.
Fleur Carney, ICB Mental Health director, said: “Our ambition […] is that mental health and wellbeing is considered of equal importance to physical health in all our communities. When people require more support, they should be able to access an effective range of age-appropriate mental health services.
“This is one of many approaches we are taking to offer parity of esteem for people with mental health needs to the intermediate care system.”
