Guidelines for field staff to assist people living in ... - Housing NSW

situation. Some people may be transferred to an inpatient unit under the Mental HealthAct as mentally ill or mentally disordered, permitting a brief period of hospitalisation forassessment and ongoing management.For further information, contact NSW Health on (02) 9391 9000 (www.health.nsw.gov.au)Drug and Alcohol ServicesIf substance use is identified as a component or factor contributing to a person livingin a condition of severe domestic squalor, referral to specialist drug health servicesmay be appropriate. Exploring treatment options when people are intoxicated is notrecommended, as they are not able to make an informed choice. A small number ofpeople may be admitted involuntarily under the Mental Health Act. 1990. However,engaging people in treatment services requires motivation and commitment, as drugand alcohol services are not provided on a compulsory basis. Substance abuse canimpact on broader relationship issues involving family or friends, and referrals forcounselling and/or advice for significant others may assist.Drug and alcohol services provide a range of interventions, which may include:• counselling, inpatient and outpatient detoxification• Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment program (MERIT)• pharmacotherapies for drug and alcohol dependence• residential rehabilitation• services for injecting drug users including clean equipment, specialist medicalconsultations and telephone consultancy.For further information contact the Area Health Service Drug and Alcohol Services on1300 889 788.Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)Offers a 24-hours, 7-day-a-week confidential telephone information, advice andcounselling service for people with problems related to drugs and alcohol.Phone (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 (for callers outside Sydney)(wwwsvh.stvincents.com.au/drugandalc.htm)Hospitalisation and Residential CareIn some cases, depending upon diagnosis and the level of risk, hospitalisation or transferto alternative accommodation, such as residential care, may be required, e.g., whereindividuals have severe medical and psychiatric problems or disabilities, such asmoderate to severe dementia or stroke-related immobility, sensory deficits andincontinence.If available, a brief period of hospitalisation or respite residential care can provide idealtemporary accommodation while cleaning is being carried out. Respite residential caremay also provide some people with an opportunity to become familiar with alternativeliving arrangements and the benefits of the increased support provided in supervisedaccommodation. The person’s GP would arrange for transfer to hospital. ACAT approvalmust be obtained for transfer to residential care.36