Many seniors ages 60 and older have special physical and mental health needs. While some people suffer from dementia and cognitive decline, others face life changes that can lead to grief, depression, anxiety and loss of independence. Often seniors can benefit from mental health services provided by geriatric behavioral health experts.
“While certain situations such as the loss of a spouse, moving out of a home or loss of physical mobility may contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety, some physical health issues including but not limited to stroke, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, diabetes or chronic heart disease, may also trigger mental health conditions such as depression,” explained Benjamen Gangewere, DO, Associate Medical Director of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Residency Program Director at Penn Highlands Healthcare.
Watch for Signs or Symptoms
Family, friends and caregivers should be observant for the following signs that behavioral health intervention may be needed:
• Cognitive changes: Confusion, severe memory loss, inability to concentrate, paranoia and delusions.
• Emotional changes: Anxiety, agitation, depression, prolonged sadness and severe mood swings.
• Social changes: Withdrawal from social situations, isolation, wandering and verbal or physical aggression.
• Physical changes: Sleeplessness or increased sleep, weight fluctuation, neglect of personal hygiene, failure to comply with medical advice.
• Safety factors: Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe agitation.
Available Treatments
Geropsychiatrists specialize in providing compassionate behavioral health care for adults ages 60 and older who are dealing with mental health issues. Programs can focus on stabilization, medication management and/or therapy that are provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Treatments may include:
• Geriatric Psychiatric Treatment: Focusing on conditions such as late-life depression and anxiety.
• Memory Care Service: Specialized support for issues related to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Inpatient Care: Provides stabilization for people considered high-risk of agitation or self-harm.
• Outpatient Programs and Therapeutic Care: May range from individualized to group therapy as well as family support.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services throughout Pennsylvania for adults and children. Inpatient geriatric behavioral health services are offered at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Huntingdon.
“Treatment may include medication management, intensive psychotherapies, nursing and educational services, which aim to re-establish emotional and cognitive stability, enhance self-confidence and instill and reinforce coping capabilities,” said Dr. Gangewere. “We work with each patient to initiate a post-hospital care plan that will allow them to complete and sustain recovery.”
For more information about geriatric behavioral health services offered by Penn Highlands Healthcare, visit www.phhealthcare.org/seniors.