Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in Nursing Facilities: Using A 5-Step Approach to Care

January 16, 2025

2 - 2:45 p.m. ET

ACCME CREDITS WILL BE OFFERED.

There are many people around the world who suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 65% to 90% of nursing home residents have a mental disorder ranging from common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression to serious mental illnesses (SMI) like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This session will introduce SMI, an understanding of SMI, and how using a 5-step model for care is effective in assisting staff in supporting residents when a serious mental Illness diagnosis.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define serious mental illness and list the four major categories of SMI.
  2. Describe the differences between SMI and dementia and note misperceptions about SMI.
  3. Describe the recovery model and list the five steps in the CARES approach for SMI care.

Speaker:

Debbie Richman, BS, CDS

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the center of excellence for behavioral health in nursing facilities (COE-NF)

Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the COE-NF offers Certified Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Staff a centralized resource hub with easy access to trainings, technical assistance and additional resources, at no cost.

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What We Do

We help nursing facilities to improve the quality of life and care provided for residents who are experiencing a variety of behavioral health disorders, with a focus on Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD).

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Who We Help

We provide direct technical assistance, evidence-based training, and resources that are appropriate for every member of your long-term care facility — from those providing day-to-day direct care, to clinical and administrative staff.

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