The Geropsychiatric Nursing Collaborative has developed Geropsychiatric Nursing Competency Enhancements and 27 associated Key Concepts (see POGOe Product 20660) to draw attention to the special mental health issues of older adults and assist faculty to address them. The key concepts are organized into four domains: assessment, management, approach to older adults, and role. This product provides an index of resources addressing Key Concept II.D. -- Management: Referrals.

Referral resources are important to meet the needs of older adults with mental health issues. Nurses at all levels can make significant contributions to managing mental health problems in older adults. Recognizing when a client’s needs may extend beyond the nurse’s scope of practice or repertoire of expertise and making appropriate referrals are, however,  important components of good management.   To best meet the mental health needs of older adults, the nurse must be able to access a network of mental health experts for patients who need more extensive psychiatric treatment and of community agencies for provision of supportive services.

This product contains resources that address the following:

• Caregiving
• Delirium
• Hospital