Mental health challenges affect older adults, just as any other age group. But with seniors these issues are often ignored or overlooked as a “normal” part of the aging process. Life challenges such as decreased physical and mental capabilities, the inability to live independently or the loss of a lifetime companion are problems sometimes too severe for an older adult to manage on their own. The family may be the first to notice changes in their behavior.

Warning signs that could indicate the need for treatment include:

• Anxiety/agitation
• Confusion/disorientation
• Depression
• Fear/paranoia
• Fluctuations in weight
• Hallucinations/delusions
• Increase in alcohol or medication use
• Loss of interest in appearance
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Social withdrawal
• Suicidal thoughts
• Wandering

Although older adults may frequently experience these behaviors, in many cases the true cause may be psycho-physiologic and, therefore, very treatable. If you suspect these issues have become difficult to manage, please schedule a no-cost assessment with Springwoods Behavioral Health.

Springwoods Behavioral Health’s Senior Adult Program is an acute geriatric psychiatric service that addresses the needs of senior citizens. Through a combination of therapies, activities and education, we encourage patients to regain as much independence as possible. We recognize that each person has unique needs. These needs are addressed through an individually tailored treatment plan that will offer a variety of daily programs and activities including:

• Group counseling
• Medication management
• Recreational activities
• Discharge planning
• Continued care planning

A team of healthcare professionals, trained to deal with the unique needs of older adults provides cohesive, quality treatment for each patient.

Team members include:

• Psychiatrist
• Team of internal medicine physicians
• Nurses
• Dietitian
• Psychologists
• Social workers/therapists
• Recreational therapists

Incoming calls for the Senior Adult unit are daily, 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Visiting hours for the unit are held:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Download Senior Adult Program Visitation Form

Springwoods Behavioral Health accepts referrals from the professional community (doctors, hospitals, therapists, social workers, nurses, schools, courts and community agencies) as well as from families. Qualified assessment and referral staff perform assessments 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at no charge. Each assessment is evaluated by a physician who recommends the appropriate level of care for treatment. Recommendations are then discussed with the patient and family to assist in making an informed decision about treatment.

Springwoods Behavioral Health is a provider for most insurance/managed care plans, as well as Medicare.