Geropsychiatric Education Program

GPEP Model &

Intended Use of the GPEP Model

One of the underlying principles of GPEP is its commitment to person-centred care. The GPEP model, a tool which assists care staff in implementing person-centred care, helps users understand the challenging behaviours that often accompany geropsychiatric illnesses. The model is based on the belief that all behaviour has a cause and all behaviour has meaning.

Causes of behaviour fall into four categories or influences:

psychiatric (dementia, delirium, depression);
physiological (acute or chronic illness, medications, pain);
psychosocial (early life factors, significant relationships, personal routines, cultural/spiritual values); and
environmental (physical surroundings, social approach).

As each influence is explored, the cause(s) of the behaviour become evident. Care strategies can then be developed which will diminish the negative consequences of the behaviour.

The GPEP Model is ready for you in a printable and downloadable form:

GPEP Model

If you have Acrobat Reader, click on the above GPEP Model Link. Otherwise, click on the visit the Adobe website to first install the software.