Mental health care is a major clinical issue facing our nation. The issue is heightened in post-acute care facilities in which a high proportion of residents and their families are dealing with the challenges of managing mental illness including dementia. Most facility staff are ill-equipped to handle the unique mental health needs of patients, and limited access to adequate psychiatric consultations and educational services compounds the challenge.

CLARITY is a comprehensive gero-psychiatric service, provided by IHMG’s experienced nurse practitioners under the direction of a board-certified psychiatrist. Patients or residents in post-acute facilities, specialized dementia units or assisted living facilities are individually assessed and a care plan is developed with particular focus on management of psychotropic medications.

CLARITY can help achieve the following objectives:

• Enhance the access to quality psychiatric care for residents with mental health concerns.
• Manage the mental health needs of residents, including documentation to support the facility’s regulatory compliance.
• Monitor the use of and need for psychotropic drugs among residents.
• Educate facility staff on the unique needs and care requirements of residents with mental illnesses.
• Improve communication with residents and families about mental health issues and care.