Later Life Therapies South Gloucestershire

Who are we here for?

We work with people in later life who have memory problems, dementia and/or a range of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

We sometimes see younger people with a diagnosis of early dementia. We will try to work in partnership with you and the people who are important to you, such as your family, friends and carers.

Where do we work?

We work:

on Aspen inpatient ward at Callington Road Hospital;
at Kingswood Civic Centre (mainly for psychology);
in community venues for group therapy and education sessions;
in people’s homes.

What do we do?

We offer assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of complex mental health needs.

We also provide a range of therapies to help you towards well-being and recovery:

occupational therapy
physiotherapy
arts psychotherapies (on wards only)
psychological therapies

Occupational Therapy

‘Occupation’ means all the things that people need to, have to and want to do.

Occupational therapy recognises the link between what people do and their health and wellbeing.

Our occupational therapists offer a range of skills and approaches to help you:

make changes;
achieve your goals;
have a satisfying routine of things you can do.

Physiotherapy

We work to help you keep or get back your physical abilities. Being able to do physical activities can help your psychological and social well-being.

Arts Psychotherapy

Arts psychotherapy offers a safe place to explore and express thoughts, feelings and experiences that may be intruding on your life. Using art materials, music, or drama can be helpful when words are difficult or not enough.

Psychological Therapies

Our clinical psychologists offer a range of psychological and talking therapies, as outlined by NICE guidelines, adapted to the needs of people in later life.

This includes:

specialist assessment of memory and thinking skills;
help to understand individual difficulties and to make a plan to help resolve these;
individual therapy to help you meet your goals and improve quality of life.

We work with individuals, couples, families and in groups.

Dieticians and nutrition advisors

We have access to dieticians and nutrition advisors who can give advice and information on nutrition and dietary needs.
We also work with other mental health professionals, speech and language specialists, GPs and other primary care staff and outside organisations.

Who can be referred to Later Life Therapies?

You may be referred to the Later Life Therapies team if you are receiving care from:

South Gloucestershire Later Life Service (Community Mental Health Team for Later Life)
Dementia Enhance Support Team
or if you are on Aspen inpatient ward

This may be for specialist assessment and/or therapy.