Older Age Psychiatry

Dr Gilmore Consultant Psychiatrist for the elderly comes to the practice and does a clinic every six weeks. The other five weeks she goes around other rural surgeries. Whilst we try to get our patients seen at our clinic, some problems can not wait and Dr Gilmore is more than happy to fit them in wherever she happens to be that week then see them for follow-up at the Farndon clinic. This is an invaluable service making it so much easier for often frail elderly people to get seen.

One of the commonest diagnoses in the elderly is of Alzheimers Disease. This devastating condition leads to progressive memory loss and dementia. There are the beginnings of some treatment available for Alzheimers which can slow the progression of the disease. Dementia in the elderly can have many causes so it is vital that an accurate diagnosis is made so that people receive the treatment most appropriate for their problem.

When Dr Gilmore suspects Alzheimers Disease the patient is referred on to the specialist "Memory Clinic " in Chester where they undergo detailed assessment. If the diagnosis is confirmed then treatment will be started. This type of treatment is only available through a hospital clinic and can not be prescribed by GP's.

Referral to Dr Gilmore must be made by one of the Doctors so if you are concerned about mental health problems in elderly relatives or if you are elderly yourself and feel that you may have a problem come and discuss it it with one of the Doctors.

 

Drug and Alcohol Services

The Cheshire drug service is based at Mill House in Chester and the Cheshire alcohol service is based in Crewe with local workers in our area. Contact can be made by a Doctor, the person with a drink problem themselves or by a family member. All referrals are by telephone, to the Crewe office then details are passed to a local worker who will come and see the person at home. The contact phone number is 01270 580243. All calls are totally confidential. Initially  the aim is to detoxify if the patient is a true alcoholic this is usually done at home but there are inpatient beds for severe and high risk problems.

The Alcohol Service will help with all degrees of problem drinking, you do not have to be an alcoholic to need help and they are happy to advise and try to help anyone who calls.

Link to Comcarenet community mental health website