The Older Adult Behavioral Health Units at St. Luke’s University Health Network treats adults 55 years of age and over in secure and intimate settings created to address the unique behavioral health needs of older adults.
Treatment
Admission to any of St. Luke’s Older Adult Behavioral Health Units provide personalized treatment for mental illness. Our program’s aim is to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment options to older adults with long-standing or newly diagnosed mental illnesses. Each treatment program is tailored to the patient’s unique needs, combining the medical and psychosocial aspects of treatment for the best outcome. As inpatient units, each patient is closely monitored, carefully assessed and provided with a supportive, structured environment 24-hours-a-day.
Our Services
Changes in behavior, mood or routine may be an indicator that a psychiatric condition is present. Symptoms may interfere with care at home or in a community setting.
Some (but not all) of the symptoms that we treat are:
- Confused thinking
- Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
- Feelings of extreme highs and lows
- Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Strong feelings of anger
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Suicidal thoughts
- Denial of obvious problems
- Numerous unexplained physical ailments
- Substance abuse
Making the decision to address someone’s change in mental status can be extremely difficult. St. Luke’s University Health Network’s behavioral health experts are here to help. We offer a multitude of services, including but not limited to:
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medical evaluation and management
- Medication management
- Recreation therapy
- Physical and Occupational therapy
- Patient and family education
- Nutrition consultation and education
- Neurology consultation
- Pharmacy consultation
- Medical and surgical subspecialty consultation
- Neuropsychology consultation
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Discharge/Aftercare planning
The goal of our treatment plan is to return our patients to their best possible level of health so they may function in a way that improves quality of life and return to a stable outside environment.
Our Older Adult units are distinguished by our interdisciplinary treatment team, which includes: a psychiatrist with special training in treating geriatric patients, nurses, mental health technicians, case managers and activity therapists. Our team collaborates with other St. Luke’s medical team members as needed throughout treatment. The conditions of our patients are addressed with skill and compassion. Family members are welcome to contact the St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Team with any questions or concerns during the treatment of their loved ones. Our patients benefit from the beautifully designed units that provide a tranquil environment.