For many older adults, behavioral health problems - such as depression, anxiety, memory loss and confusion - can be as serious as challenges to their physical health. Many of these behavioral health issues are complicated by medical and physical concerns.

That's why we've established a special 17-bed unit within our hospital to focus on geropsychiatry, an area of medicine that jointly addresses the unique physical and emotional needs of older adults.

A whole range of factors can adversely affect the ability of older adults to live healthy, independent lives, including medical conditions, drug interactions, grief following the loss of a spouse, cognitive changes, financial concerns and the availability of family and community support.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, three million older adults suffer from moderate to severe brain disorders. One in 20 persons over 65 suffers from serious depression, and seniors have the highest suicide rate of any age group in America. But accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions can greatly enhance the quality of life in later years. Our experienced, compassionate team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the tender care and the emotional support these patients need.

Senior Behavioral Health Unit
Our Senior Behavioral Health unit, located on the second floor of the hospital, is designed to help patients and their families address the complex issues that can cause older adults to fall into a behavioral health crisis. Our "hospital within a hospital" is a secure unit offering short-term treatment to stabilize patients age 55 and over who are experiencing a crisis that cannot be managed in an outpatient setting. After a comprehensive assessment, we provide an individualized treatment plan of services and support focused on each person's situation and goals.

We're available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information please call us at (801) 350-4715.

A Team Approach
Because a number of factors impact a person's mental health, we take a team approach to treatment. These healthcare professionals work together to address each person's unique needs. Our team includes:

• Psychiatrists
• Licensed clinical social workers
• Registered nurses
• Advanced practice registered nurses
• Certified nursing assistants / Behavioral health technicians
• Geriatricians (physicians who specialize in the care of older adults)
• Rehabilitation therapists
• Psychologists / Neuropsychologists

Mental Health Conditions
Among the symptoms and conditions we assess and treat are:

• Anxiety - Difficulty sleeping; feelings of restlessness, panic or impending doom; sudden inability to deal with stressful situations
• Depression - Inability to accept or adjust to loss; significant change in appetite, sleep patterns or energy levels; feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt; loss on interest in pleasurable activities
• Chronic Pain - Uncontrolled, continuing pain; use of multiple pain medications
• Psychosis - Seeing, smelling, hearing or feelings things that aren't there
• Paranoia - Accusing others of negative behaviors or thoughts that are unrealistic; combative or violent behavior
• Cognitive Changes - Significant memory loss; impaired judgment and insight; inability to take care of day-to-day needs; acute deterioration of coping skills and judgment, placing the person or others at risk
• Suicidal or Homicidal Feelings - Thoughts of death, suicide or murder; self-injuring behavior
• Phobias - Fears that limit daily activity
• Mood disorders - Severe mood swings; feelings of elation, unlimited energy, pacing, or lack of sleep; sudden onset of severe depression

Services
Our team offers a wide range of medical and behavioral health services, including:

• Psychiatric assessment and treatment
• Management and treatment of medical conditions
• Medication management
• Nursing
• Dietary consultation
• Recreational therapy assessment and treatment
• Psychotherapy (individual, family and group)
• Education for patients and families on diagnosis, treatment options and medications
• Social work assistance with discharge planning and financial issues

Referrals
Anyone can begin a referral to our Senior Behavioral Health unit, including friends and family members, primary care physicians, social service agencies, clergy, and long-term care facilities.

Before admission, we perform a free prescreening to ensure that the person is medically stable and meets our unit's criteria for admission. We can provide this prescreening in the home, a doctor's office or at the hospital.