Old Age Psychiatry

Compassionate, Expert Support for Later-Life Mental Health

We understand how worrying it can be to wait when you or a loved one is experiencing changes in memory, mood, or mental health. That is why we provide prompt, confidential, and compassionate support, so you can receive the help you need without delay.

You do not need a referral to see our specialist, and there is no waiting list. While NHS waiting times for psychiatry services can extend for months or even over a year, our private clinic offers immediate access to a consultant old age psychiatrist.

Do I Need an Appointment?

Many people are unsure whether their concerns require a specialist consultation. If you or someone close to you has noticed persistent changes in memory, mood, behaviour, or sleep, then it may be time to seek professional advice.

Even if you are not certain whether a psychiatrist is needed, an initial consultation can bring clarity and reassurance, giving you practical next steps.

How We Can Help

Our old age psychiatry service is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults and their families. Ageing can bring a combination of physical health concerns, neurological changes, and emotional challenges. Our consultant psychiatrist is trained to look at the whole picture, combining medical knowledge with empathy to ensure that patients receive thoughtful, personalised care.

Whether the difficulty lies in changes to memory, long-term depression, coping with anxiety, or adjusting to the impact of a condition like Parkinson’s disease, we offer comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatments that promote both independence and well-being.

Symptoms and Conditions We Support

Our clinic specialises in the full range of mental health and neurological concerns that affect older adults. 

Psychosis

Psychosis in later life can be deeply distressing, not only for the individual experiencing hallucinations or delusional thoughts, but also for their loved ones. Our specialist understands the sensitivity of these symptoms and provides thorough assessments to identify the cause, whether it is linked to a mental health condition, dementia, or another medical factor. With careful treatment planning, which may include both medication and supportive therapy, we aim to reduce distressing symptoms and restore a sense of clarity, stability, and safety.

Sleep Disorders

Changes in sleep are common as we age, but persistent insomnia, disrupted sleep cycles, or excessive daytime fatigue can have a serious impact on overall health and well-being. Our psychiatrist can help to identify whether poor sleep is related to anxiety, depression, medication side effects, or neurological changes. With tailored strategies, including lifestyle adjustments, psychological support, and in some cases medical treatment, we work to restore healthy, restorative sleep and improve quality of life.

Parkinson’s and Mental Health

Parkinson’s disease brings challenges that extend beyond physical symptoms. Many patients experience depression, anxiety, or cognitive changes alongside their diagnosis. These issues can sometimes be overlooked, but they have a profound impact on day-to-day well-being. Our clinic offers specialist psychiatric support for people living with Parkinson’s, addressing the emotional and mental health aspects of the condition with compassion. By combining medical expertise with a personalised approach, we support patients and families to manage symptoms and maintain independence for as long as possible.

Memory Assessments

Concerns about memory loss can be worrying for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. Our psychiatrist provides comprehensive memory assessments to understand whether difficulties are related to normal ageing, depression, anxiety, or early signs of dementia. These assessments are conducted with care, respect, and patience, ensuring that patients feel comfortable throughout the process. Following the assessment, we provide clear guidance on next steps and, if necessary, referral to appropriate dementia services. [Read more about our dedicated Memory Assessment service →]

Anxiety and Depression

Feelings of anxiety and depression are not uncommon in later life, especially when combined with physical health conditions, bereavement, or changes in independence. Left untreated, these conditions can have a significant impact on well-being and daily functioning. Our psychiatrist offers a safe space to talk about these feelings and provides evidence-based treatment tailored specifically to older adults. This may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both, always to improve mood, reduce distress, and help patients to live with greater confidence and ease.

Capacity Assessments (COP3)

In some situations, families or professionals may need a formal evaluation of a person’s capacity to make decisions about their health, finances, or living arrangements. Our psychiatrist provides detailed capacity assessments, including completion of COP3 forms required by the Court of Protection. These assessments are carried out with fairness, respect, and attention to detail, ensuring that the individual’s rights are upheld while providing clear and professional evidence to support important legal decisions.

Section 49 Medico-Legal Reports

Courts sometimes require expert psychiatric input to help resolve legal cases involving older adults. Our consultant psychiatrist has extensive experience preparing Section 49 medico-legal reports, offering a clear, unbiased, and authoritative opinion. Each report is based on a careful assessment of the individual, combined with a thorough review of relevant records. We understand the importance of precision and clarity in medico-legal work, and we provide reports that can be relied upon in court proceedings.

Pricing

Meet Our Specialist Old Age Psychiatrist

Treatments and Our Approach

Every consultation begins with time, time to listen to your concerns, to understand your medical history, and to explore the difficulties you are facing. Our psychiatrist takes a compassionate and patient-centred approach, ensuring that you feel comfortable and respected throughout the process. Once a thorough assessment is complete, we provide clear explanations of any diagnosis and discuss treatment options. These may include talking therapies, lifestyle recommendations, or carefully considered use of medication.

Where appropriate, we collaborate with your GP and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. Our goal is not only to reduce symptoms but to support long-term well-being, independence, and peace of mind.

What to Expect

Your first consultation is an opportunity to share your concerns in a safe and supportive setting. The psychiatrist will begin by talking with you, and, where appropriate, a family member, about your current symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle. A gentle, respectful assessment may then take place, tailored to your needs, whether that involves questions about memory, mood, or other aspects of your health. At the end of the appointment, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings, along with recommendations for next steps.

To make the most of your appointment, we encourage you to bring any recent medical letters, a list of current medications, and, if possible, a relative or friend who can provide additional context. Many patients find this helps ensure the psychiatrist has the fullest possible understanding.

Follow-Up Care

After your initial consultation, we offer ongoing support through follow-up appointments. These sessions may focus on reviewing progress, adjusting medications, or exploring additional therapeutic options. Some patients require only one or two follow-ups, while others prefer longer-term monitoring and support. We tailor follow-up care to your circumstances, ensuring continuity and a compassionate, consistent approach.

Why Choose Us

Choosing private old age psychiatry is about peace of mind, reassurance, and receiving the right help without delay. Here’s why patients and families trust us:

• Fast Access When You Need It Most: You don’t have to wait months on NHS lists or struggle through referrals. With us, you can see a consultant psychiatrist quickly, often within days, so concerns are addressed before they escalate.
• Joined-Up Care, Fewer Frustrations: We work closely with GPs and other specialists so you get a seamless experience. There’s no chasing different services or repeating your story; your care is coordinated, clear, and consistent.
• Support That Empowers You: We believe every patient deserves to feel informed and in control. You’ll always understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and next steps. This means fewer worries and greater confidence about your health.
• Care That Fits Your Life: From in-person appointments in our modern clinic to secure video consultations at home, we make accessing support as simple and convenient as possible, wherever you are and whatever your mobility.
• Trusted Expertise: Our psychiatrist brings decades of experience, backed by professional recognition and the highest standards of clinical excellence. Families describe our care as compassionate, thorough, and reassuring.

Our Old Age Psychiatrist Specialist in Birmingham

You can find our Old Age Psychiatrist at the Francis Road Clinic, 78–79 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8SP. The clinic is easy to reach by car using the postcode in your sat nav, with free parking available at the rear of the building through the gated entrance two doors down from the main entrance. Public transport links are excellent; several bus routes, including the 35, 50, 80, and X8, stop nearby. Five Ways train station is just a 15-minute walk away, and the Edgbaston Village tram stop is also within walking distance.