Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center
For more information or to inquire about admission: please call (626) 300-7300. Our specially trained and licensed mental health professionals are available
24 hours a day.
The Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center of SGVMC provides short-term inpatient
mental health care for older adults who are experiencing a crisis. We
offer individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Our goal is to provide the best possible evaluation, care, and education
to help stabilize each patient’s behavioral and mental condition
so that he or she can return home or to the safest and most appropriate
alternative setting.
The 42-bed Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center is a calm and safe treatment
environment, featuring:
- Comfortable, up-to-date furnishings
- Beautifully landscaped garden patio areas
- State-of-the-art monitoring and security
Care, treatment, and education are provided by a care team that includes
physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other
clinicians who have been trained in working with older adult patients.
Psychiatrists with specialized geriatric training lead our team in developing
and carrying out each patient’s
individualized treatment, which includes:
- Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
- Medical management of secondary medical conditions
- 24-hour nursing care
- Family education and support
- Individual, group, music, exercise, and art therapies
- Follow-up care planning
For more detailed information, please review our
FAQs. If you have questions, please contact us using the contact form at the
bottom of this page, or by calling 626.300.7300.
What to Expect
The first thing our team will do is a thorough evaluation to determine
what is causing the behavioral and mental changes. We also check for any
underlying medical or biochemical origins. We will then work with the
patient, family, and other health professionals to develop a course of
treatment.
Treatment includes individual meetings with psychiatrists, group therapy
with other seniors struggling with similar problems, and educational programs.
Our nurses, psychiatrists, trained counselors, and social workers can
help with all aspects of a person’s life.
You are not alone in caring for your elderly parent or loved one. We help
you understand what is happening and determine the best course of care.
Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant challenge for
older adults. As people age, they experience the loss of loved ones and
the stresses that go with losing physical and mental abilities. Changing
lifestyles and increased physical challenges can lead to sadness and withdrawal.
However, persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate
your loved one is suffering from a mental illness such as depression.
Signs and symptoms that a loved one may be experiencing an emotional illness include:
- Insomnia or too much sleep
- Crying spells
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Disregard for personal appearance
- Sad or blank look on face
- Thoughts of suicide
- Forgetfulness or confusion
- Social isolation
These symptoms are not normal at any age and should be considered an illness
in the elderly.
Most depression and other emotional illnesses in older people are treatable,
especially if dealt with early. In addition to improving a senior’s
outlook on life, therapy also helps individuals to better care for themselves
and follow their primary care provider’s directions, particularly
about taking medicines.
The Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center is specially designed to help
individuals age 60 and over. Our center provides short-term inpatient
mental health care for patients who may be having difficulties with:
- Depression, including thoughts of suicide or actual suicide attempts
- Behavior that is harmful or threatening to themselves and others
- Confused thinking, disorientation, bizarre thoughts, or sudden memory impairment
Admission
Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day. Physicians, psychologists, social
workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family
members, or friends may make referrals. A psychiatrist makes the decision
regarding admissions.
Going Home
The patient and family work with the treatment team to develop an appropriate
aftercare plan. Aftercare may include a community-based program or outpatient
therapy. Our goal is to help maintain the progress that has already been
made while in the hospital.
Family Plays an Important Role
When one person in the family suffers from a mental or emotional illness,
everyone else in the family is affected. Admission to a psychiatric treatment
center is understandably traumatic and can be especially so for an elderly
person. Stresses and strains in relationships are intensified. We understand
this and encourage family members to express their feelings and learn
new ways to cope with the frustrations. We encourage them to participate
in their loved one’s treatment process. Our family support groups
help to re-establish healthy communication channels that will lead to
stronger family ties and happier lives.
Additional resources:
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Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center Brochures