Older Adult Mental Health
The Older Adult Mental Health Unit provides expert care to patients 55 years of age and older who are suffering from dementia, depression or a variety of other emotional disorders. This facility is a 12-bed, closed inpatient mental health unit.
Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis are the first steps to proper treatment. Many times medical conditions can mimic psychiatric illness, so detailed assessments are conducted. Assessments may involve interviewing the patient and their family as well as conducting physical exams, psychological testing and laboratory tests.
The decision to come to the hospital is a difficult for both the patient and their family. It is our hope to not only give quality care to the patient, but to be supportive and helpful to the families as well.
Team Approach
Using a multidisciplinary team approach, the unit is staffed by registered nurses and behavioral health partners with CNA training, who are skilled in psychiatric nursing assessment and treatment. Other team members include social workers, recreational therapists, occupational therapists and a chaplain. Every patient's treatment is under the supervision of a psychiatrist who directs the individualized treatment plan and co-ordinates discharge plans. Appropriate specialty consults are provided as needed.
Patients are cared for in a holistic, compassionate manner, directing practice toward the promotion, maintenance and restoration of behavioral wellness. In addition to receiving psychotherapy and medications, patients participate in pet therapy, reminiscence therapy, current event discussions, spirituality discussions and leisure and exercise programs.