Geriatric Inpatient Psychiatry
Acute changes in an older adult's mood, behavior, thinking, or ability to cope may require a psychiatric hospital setting that also understands the complexities of aging. PBBHC's planned geriatric program will provide short-term inpatient psychiatric treatment with attention to safety, cognitive changes, medical comorbidity, medication sensitivity, functional ability, and the transition to the next care setting.
Future servicePlanned care generally for adults age 60 and older. Contact intake for program availability and eligibility information.
A whole-person geriatric psychiatric approach
The planned program is intended for older adults experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, cognitive changes, or behavioral disturbances that cannot be safely managed in a less restrictive setting. Assessment considers the interaction among psychiatric symptoms, medical conditions, medications, cognition, mobility, sensory needs, usual living environment, and the support available after discharge.
Care may include
- Psychiatric stabilization and medication management with attention to medication sensitivity and polypharmacy
- Nursing monitoring and fall-risk awareness
- Supportive and psychoeducational groups adapted for cognitive and sensory needs
- Functional support and orientation activities
- Expressive and recreational therapies suited to the individual's abilities
- Family, caregiver, guardian, and long-term-care communication when appropriate
- Discharge and placement planning across home, assisted living, skilled nursing, and other settings
What this program is not
Geriatric inpatient psychiatry is not long-term memory care, routine dementia care, or nursing-home placement. The purpose is short-term hospital treatment for acute psychiatric needs when the patient can be safely managed within PBBHC's psychiatric setting.
Frequently asked questions
Can the program help when cognitive symptoms are involved?+
Yes, when cognitive changes occur alongside an acute psychiatric presentation and the patient meets clinical and medical criteria. The program is not intended for irreversible neurodegenerative disease without an acute psychiatric component requiring inpatient treatment.
How will family or caregivers be involved?+
Family, caregivers, legal representatives, and community providers may contribute important history and discharge information when appropriate and permitted.
What medical issues can PBBHC manage?+
The patient must be medically stable enough for a freestanding psychiatric hospital. Conditions requiring acute medical-hospital services may require another setting.
How long is treatment?+
Length of stay is individualized based on psychiatric acuity, cognitive and medical complexity, treatment response, safety, and placement or discharge needs.
Confirm geriatric program availability before arranging care.
Intake can explain the current opening status, clinical criteria, required information, and referral process.