As we age, our mental health needs evolve alongside our physical and social well-being. Geriatric Psychiatry at IMH focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and management of mental disorders in older adults. IMH's multidisciplinary team offers assessment, intervention and treatment services that cater to the mental health needs of the elderly in Singapore.
Common Issues
Mental health issues in seniors can often go undetected or be mistaken for normal signs of aging. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, confusion, personality changes and difficulty with daily activities.
Persistent sadness and low moods, withdrawal from activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and thoughts of hopelessness.
Excessive worry, restlessness, irritability and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.
- Late Onset Schizophrenia or Psychosis
Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia that emerge later in life.
Difficulty coping with significant life changes such as retirement, bereavement or illness.
Sudden confusion or disorientation, often triggered by illness, medication or hospitalisation.
Forgetfulness, delayed recall of names or appointments, item misplacement or multi-tasking difficulties
Psychogeriatric Services
IMH's multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, medical social workers, occupational therapists, case managers and pharmacists work together to provide appropriate care that meets each senior's needs.
Assessments can be obtained at IMH Clinic B and Sayang Wellness Clinic @ IMH, Buangkok Green Medical Park and at the Community Wellness Clinics located at Geylang Polyclinic and Queenstown Polyclinic.
Related Services
Specialised Programme:
Aged Psychiatry Community Assessment and Treatment Service (APCATS)
