senior behavioral health unit

hope & healing

"I am so happy that I called the Senior Behavioral Health Unit.  They gave me my life back."

We all hope our family members will enjoy "the golden years".  But, as individuals age, they experience the loss of loved ones and the stresses that goes with losing physical and mental abilities.  A changing lifestyle and increased physical challenges can lead to sadness and withdrawal; however persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate your loved one is suffering from clinical depression or anxiety.

Signs and symptoms that a loved one may be experiencing serious emotional difficulties include:

• Insomnia or too much sleep

• Loss of interest in regular activities

• Crying spells

• Poor appetite or overeating

• Disregard for personal appearance

• Agitation or aggression

• Sad or blank look on face

• Thoughts of suicide

• Forgetfulness or confusion

• Withdrawal and isolation

These symptoms are not normal at any age and should be considered an illness in the elderly.

Most depression and other emotional illness in older people are treatable, especially if dealt wtih early.  In addition to improving a senior's outlook on life, therapy also helps individuals to better care for themselves and follow their primary care provider's directions, particularly concerning taking medications.

Rome Memorial Hospital is here to let you know that you are not alone in caring for your elderly parent or loved one.  We help you understand what's going on and determine the best course of care.

how we can help

At Rome Memorial Hospital we offer individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere.  The first thing our professional team will do is a very thorough evaluation to help determine the possible causes of the behavioral and mental changes.  We also check for any underlying medical issues that may contribute to behavioral changes.  We will then work with the patient, family and other health professionals to develop a course of treatment to best meet the needs of the individual.

Treatment includes individual meetings with psychiatrists and group therapy to assist with emotional, mental, physical and medication needs. Our nurses, psychiatrists, trained counselors, and social workers can help with all aspects of a person's life.

our special services

To ensure superior access and care, we offer:

• A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

• A thorough medical history and phsyical exam

• 24-hour nursing and medical support

• Individualized treatment planning

• Diagnositc testing

• Family support and education

• Basic life skills enhancement

• Recreational therapy

• Individual and group therapy

• Referral and follow-up services

you are not alone

Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant problem for older adults.

• National statistics show that one out of four older adults suffers from serious emotional difficulties related to aging.

• Depressed or older adults have the highest risk of suicide in our society.

• Nineteen million people will suffer from depression at one time in their lives.  Of these, eighty to ninety percent can be effectively treated.

family plays an important role

When one person in the family suffers from a mental or emotional illness, everyone else in the family is effected.  Admission to a psychiatric treatment center is understandably traumatic, and can be especially so for an elderly person.  Stresses and strains in relationships are intensified.  We understand this and encourage family members to express their feelings and learn new ways to cope with the frustrations.  We encourage them to participate in their loved one's treatment process.

we have the level of care you need

In-treatment hospitalization involves stabilizing the crisis that led to the hospitalization.  A thorough physical and mental evaluation is completed to determine the cause or causes of the psychiatric problem.  All care is provided in a supportive environment with 24-hour nursing care to help ensure the well-being of each patient.

admission

Admissions are accepted 24-hours a day.  Physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members, or friends may make referrals.  The decision regarding the admission is made by the Senior Behaviroal Health Unit's Medical Director.

going home

The patient and family work with the treatment team to develop an appropriate aftercare plan.  Our goal is to help maintain the progress that has already been made while in the hospital.