What We Do: Services
Older Adults
For more than two decades, Pacific Clinics has taken the lead in evidence-based behavioral health services for older adults, a growing population because people are living longer. It has traditionally been an overlooked or neglected area of treatment. Unrecognized depression, substance abuse, medication complications, elder abuse and illness that masks mental health conditions are typical challenges to the proper diagnosis and treatment for older adults.
A coordinated program of care that includes Pacific Clinics professionals, a consulting psychiatrist and social services helps engage older adults. Underlying conditions such as medical history, medication dosage, side effects of medications, and personal, family and cultural norms are included for consideration in the assessment as possible causes of behavioral health situations. Identified issues are addressed in a culturally sensitive approach to treatment.
Full Service Partnerships (FSP)and
Field Capable Clinical Services (FCCS)
Our multicultural staff reaches out to ensure those aged 60 and older have access to new programs funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Staff provide intensive, field-based services and treatment for co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse to the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, those recently hospitalized or released from nursing homes or otherwise at risk or in need. Other supportive programs include housing and vocational services.
To be considered for FSP or FCCS enrollment, or for program locations, please contact our Call Center counselors: 1-877-PCCARES (1-877-722-2737)
Intergenerational Family Services
When a family contacts Pacific Clinics for services, older adult members are included in a program of care coordinated by the same care manager. Families, caregivers, significant others and physicians are integral to older adult care. The goal is to interface the care of multigenerational family members with that of their loved ones and keep families together and as mentally healthy as possible. The family center approach is being implemented at several Pacific Clinics sites.
Multicultural Services
Pacific Clinics’ language-proficient staff is sensitive to foreign cultures in working with older adults and their families. In addition, Family Services/Centers provide support to families with older adults and caregiver resources in non-English languages such as Spanish, Armenian, and several Asian languages and dialects.
Survey says Older Adult Homeless Population Growing
Older Adult Homeless Population Grows, Survey Says A first-of-its-kind study by the non-profit Shelter Partnership publicized in the Los Angeles Times (March 30, 2008) addresses the plight and increasing volume of Los Angeles County's homeless age 62 or older, concluding that they are among the fastest-growing and most vulnerable homeless populations in the County. Of the approximately 3,000-4,000 counted, about; 62% have reported some kind of physical or mental disability. As many as half are considered chronically homeless and difficult to get off the streets. The study also notes that a host of programs serve homeless families and individuals, but few are specifically for the elderly. Pacific Clinics Older Adult Services Director Faye Ashby, LCSW, served on Shelter Partnership’s advisory committee for the two-year-long effort. Click here to read the full study from Shelter Partnership.