WHAT WE OFFER

The Geriatric Assessment and Behavioural Unit (GABU) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is a secured 12-bed inpatient unit providing specialized support for high-risk patients with an established dementia diagnosis. The unit provides targeted support for older adults experiencing severe responsive behaviours and psychological symptoms secondary to dementia. The average length of stay is based on an individual basis while aligning with the Ministry of Health Long-term Care (MOHLTC) guidelines to consider medical and psychiatric supported leaves. GABU is considered a non-urgent service with specific screening criteria for program eligibility, program acceptance and requires power of attorney (POA) and substitute decision-maker (SDM) informed consent.

Program acceptance is determined by the GABU’s Geriatric Psychiatrist.

The GABU is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals experiencing responsive behaviours secondary to their diagnosis through person-centred care, identification of unmet needs, and individualized care planning. With multidisciplinary collaboration and observation, the GABU aims to provide a balanced non-pharmacological and pharmacological plan of care to promote a decrease in responsive behaviours for future disposition planning.

WHO WE ARE

Our interprofessional healthcare team specializes in supporting seniors with responsive behaviours. The types of services provided will be tailored to meet individual care needs. Team members may include:

  • Home and Community Care Managers

  • Occupational Therapists (available as needed)

  • Physiotherapists (available as needed)

  • Physicians, including Geriatric Psychiatrists

  • Pharmacists

  • Registered Nurses

  • Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

  • Recreational Therapists

  • Registered Dietitians

  • Social Workers

SEEKING CARE

Inclusion criteria:

  • High risk older adults, generally 65 years of age or older experiencing behavioural or psychological expressions secondary to a dementia diagnosis

  • Medically stable (i.e. does not require acute care intervention) and can participate in and benefit from treatment and management of responsive behaviours

  • Absence of an acute delirium – organic/reversible causes investigated with attempted management.

  • Urinalysis/culture in last four (4) weeks

  • Capacity is established prior to referral

  • Referring institution, substitute decision maker (SDM) or power of attorney (POA) are expected to actively participate in program including update and discharge planning meetings to support the return or transition to the appropriate destination

  • Signed Reciprocating Agreement [LTC/RH/Acute Care]

  • Mental Health forms have been resolved

  • Within PRHC’s catchment area

SEEKING CARE

Exclusion criteria:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), behaviours secondary to mental health presentations, or dual diagnosis presentations

  • Dialysis

  • Mechanical ventilation

  • Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

  • Bariatric equipment needs (300lbs +)

  • Patients requiring crisis admissions

  • Patients with complex medical needs that cannot be managed on a non-medical unit, such as:

    • Ongoing IV therapy
    • Patients with tracheostomy
    • Patient with complex wounds
    • Enteral feeding
    • Oxygen needs greater than 50%
    • Acute medical problems
    • Need for extensive rehabilitation or physiotherapy

Please note, referral document and criteria may be adjusted based on referral location. Please ensure to choose the correct link for the most appropriate referral.

Community:

From External Acute Care:

  • Requires a nurse practitioner or physician order
  • Has been assessed by a Geriatrician/Geriatric Psychiatrist (where services are available)

Long-Term Care/Retirement Homes:

  • Requires a nurse practitioner or physician order

HOW TO REFER TO GABU

A referral must be signed by a physician, or nurse practitioner. Admission to the GABU may be recommended as part of the care plan generated by PASE or GAIN clinics at PRHC. Older adults may be referred from other hospital services or their primary care providers.

Please choose the most appropriate referral application pathway:

Community
GAIN/PASE Applications
Long-term Care Applications/Retirement Home Applications

Acute Care
PRHC Internal Applications
External Site Applications