Respectful Care for Older Adults
It’s not uncommon for elderly men and women to find themselves more emotional in later years, especially after the loss of lifelong friends and the stress of a changing lifestyle. But feeling anxious or depressed for an extended period is not a normal part of growing old. Medical complications and extended illnesses can also play a part in anyone’s level of happiness and peace of mind. It’s vital to look for the reasons for low moods because many times it is necessary and possible to get help.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Peachford Hospital’s Senior Inpatient Program is tailored to the needs of elderly patients and their families, delivering comprehensive senior mental health services with compassion and dignity. Located north of Atlanta, Georgia, patients may enter our around-the-clock program for a variety of reasons ranging from memory loss, grief and depression, cognitive challenges associated with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and even co-occurring substance abuse issues.
With clinical depression or anxiety, a person’s ability to function mentally and physically is affected, and the trouble may last for weeks, months or sometimes years in the form of phobias, panic attacks or becoming obsessive or compulsive in lifestyle. There are some illnesses that are a part of aging, like Alzheimer’s, which affect the individual’s emotional and intellectual well-being.
It is possible, after an accurate diagnosis, to provide therapy to help prolong physical and emotional functioning as long as possible. Both anxiety and depression may stem from life experiences, so our senior inpatient program gets to the root of those issues so we can help our patients return to their former emotional health.
Our acute stabilization memory care programming provides cognitive testing for differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis helps identify whether memory loss, agitation and other symptoms are related to initial onset neurogenerative disorders or if memory decline is caused by a mental health condition. This diagnosis aids in determining the next steps in treatment and discharge planning.
FEATURES & TREATMENT COMPONENTS
Our senior adult inpatient program begins with thorough medical and psychiatric evaluations to determine the most appropriate level of care and course of treatment for various mental health disorders. We provide 24/7 nursing care, medication management, appropriate age-related groups, specialized meal plans for each patient and a high level of family involvement. Our unit is separated by functioning level to best accommodate the specific development and needs of each patient, and our entire facility is handicap-accessible and provides a secure, nurturing environment.
Treatment for older adult mental health issues begins with a comprehensive evaluation to help diagnose any underlying medical or biochemical origins of the mental illness. The treatment team works to coordinate each patient’s care, to inform family members of progress and to keep the family physician informed. For family members, they must receive education and counsel about what to expect, how to handle their own emotional needs and how to provide their loved one with the best care available.
Therapeutic components may include:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Drug and alcohol education
- Recreation therapy
- Activity therapy
- Medication education
- Sensory stimulation
- Pet therapy
- Reality orientation
- Daily living activities
- Cognitive exercises
- Socialization
Mental health services for each older adult is administered by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals led by a psychiatrist.
Team members may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Internal medicine physician
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Case managers
- Activity therapists
- Substance abuse counselors
Levels of Care
By offering multiple levels of care, Peachford Hospital is able to better serve our patients and their family members wherever they may be on the journey to recovery. In addition to our mental health services for seniors, we offer Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), inpatient services, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and more. Each one of these services can help our patients reach their goals and be provided with the tools necessary to live a happier, healthier life.
If a patient needs to step up or step down to a different level of care, Peachford Hospital, located in Dunwoody, Georgia, is able to provide that level of care. We are here to help you or your loved one, and our many behavioral health services along the continuum of care allow us to do what we do best – helping people when they need it most.
We’re Here to Help
Asking for help often feels like a scary hurdle to jump, but we’re here to walk you through it. Take the first step in discovering what life without crisis can feel like. Call Peachford Hospital at 770-455-3200 or visit our facility for a no-cost, confidential assessment by one of our licensed behavioral health professionals. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help determine your individual needs and help find the best program for you or your loved one. For additional questions about our programs, call us or submit your inquiry through our online contact form. In the case of a medical emergency or crisis, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.