We’ve all heard it—good mental health is as important as good physical health, if not more so. With each new study, medical communities are giving patients better individualized care by approaching common diagnoses with more nuance. Part of that differentiation has to do with age. Depression and anxiety might present similarly across age groups, but the underlying factors for those 55+ are often quite different than people in their 20s and 30s. When you consider these factors alongside the increased risk for dementias, it’s clear why the field of geriatric psychiatry is so important in our communities.
Jacob Dunn, Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Program social worker with Stoughton Hospital, says, “Typically, we’re seeing people with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or attempts, anxiety disorders, psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia. The majority of people we admit are those with some form of dementia and in various stages. In the later stages, what we’re seeing is more agitation; aggression; paranoia; suspiciousness of staff or family member or caregiver; actually experiencing hallucinations, whether you’re seeing or hearing things that aren’t present.”
Stoughton Hospital’s geriatric psychiatry unit consists of 10 beds, but it’s important to emphasize that they’re not just there to treat extreme cases. As serious as dementia is for the individuals and families going through those hardships, the mental health of a recently retired person struggling to acclimate is just as important for the individual to live a fulfilling life.
“We just admitted someone who had to place their spouse in memory care, and they’ve never had to cook. They’ve never had to clean. All those things were taken care of. That partner of theirs, after 50 some years, is now not at home with them. It’s just an adjustment at time for folks. It’s trying to get them through or find meaningful activities to do. Everybody wants to have that sense of self-worth and contribution to the community.”
Nonpharmacological solutions and behavior modifications are key components to helping people cope with their mental health. A combination of medications and psychotherapy has shown to be the most effective way to treat a lot of depressions and anxieties for people of all ages. Jacob says, “Even with dementia, we can try to find some activities that are meaningful and keep those people socializing and occupied throughout the day.”
To get into the program, patients need to sign in voluntarily, even if someone has guardianship or is an activated power of attorney. That said, the importance of family involvement can’t be understated. “We’re keeping the family updated,” says Jacob. “Multiple times a week, they’re visiting; they’re calling our nurse’s station. I call them at least three days a week. … We’re constantly keeping everybody involved. We’re also providing that support for family members because this is a really difficult time for them as well. An individual with dementia may not benefit from therapeutic interventions, but that’s part of my role: providing that education and support. Right away, I’m working on what services and things they’ll need if the person comes home or when looking at referrals to facilities.”
Over the 26 years of operation, possibly one of the longest-running geriatric psychiatry units in the state, Jacob and everyone involved with the program bring a lot of experience to the table. Some of the nurses have even been a part of the program since its inception. What this means for patients and their families is working with someone who can pivot quicker and recognize potential treatments or issues.
“It’s just a really good treatment team,” says Jacob. “Everybody strives for an individualized approach for every patient who comes in. We’re working closely with families and community partners and any supports that individuals have to set them up for success when they’re discharged from our facility.”
Stoughton Hospital works with several different insurances, even those not in network. They’ll also work to get prior authorization so families don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen after or during care from a financial perspective. Whether with Medicare or Medicare and a secondary insurance, the experience is pretty much the same as a regular hospitalization.
“I think we need to start looking at behavioral health issues just as much as we do the physical health issues because those things coincide with each other,” says Jacob. “Mental health and physical health issues can impact an older adult, especially mental health. To focus on a holistic approach with that is something we want to spotlight a little bit more than what’s out there.”
Contributed by Stoughton Health.
STOUGHTON HEALTH
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