There are many factors, such as long-term illness, the loss of a spouse or partner, or a decline in income, that can rob seniors of their emotional health and vitality.
The Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital works with patients individually to develop strategies so that they can regain their mental health, happiness and independence. A continuum of care is provided in tandem with many agencies that offer community resources, including Sinai Hospital and Jewish Family Services. Patient, family and caregiver education is also provided.
Team members include board-certified geriatric psychiatrists, certified clinical nurse specialists, certified licensed social workers, registered and licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
Inpatient Services
Specialists at the Behavioral Health Unit of Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital treat not only the physical challenges that patients face daily but the emotional challenges as well. Behavioral Health rehabilitation combines the services of internal medicine, rehabilitation and psychiatry in an integrated, focused program.
Our goal is to help patients reach their maximum functional level so they may live as independently as possible after discharge.
Partial Hospitalization Program
The Partial Hospitalization Program at Levindale is designed to help our behavioral health patients begin their transition into outpatient care. Patients in this program are medically managed by a psychiatrist, nurse and social worker, and spend up to five days a week receiving intensive therapy before returning to their communities in the evenings. The Partial Hospitalization Program is specifically designed for the unique issues of older adults. Transportation to the program is available.
Outpatient Services
The mission of Levindale’s Outpatient Mental Health programs is to provide a continuum of care that addresses the emotional, psychological
and social issues that may be interfering with an individual's health and ability to function. Our goal is to help patients reach their
maximum potential by emphasizing ways to cope with and enjoy daily life. Medication management, if indicated, is provided, and individual and
group therapies are used to enhance communication, expression of feelings and reality orientation.
All participants receive an individualized treatment plan that reflects their challenges and goals to regain their health, stability and empowerment so they can achieve their full potential.
Our programs are specifically designed for older adults — usually 60 years of age and older — who are experiencing emotional difficulties.
Symptoms of mental health issues can include:
- Change in personality
- Depressed and/or anxious mood
- Increased irritability
- Frequent or uncontrollable crying
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive feelings of guilt, helplessness and/or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in personal hygiene
- Functional decline
- Unexplained physical symptoms
- Change in mental status, memory loss and/or confusion
- Paranoia and/or hallucinations
Psychiatric Day Treatment Program
This program is often used to avoid psychiatric hospitalization or as a step-down from an inpatient setting. Therapeutic treatment emphasizes ways to cope with daily life. Discharge planning is created to help each person achieve realistic goals.
Treatment Team
Treatment is provided by a multidisciplinary team of caring and experienced behavioral health specialists that includes:
- Board-certified geriatric psychiatrists
- Certified clinical nurse specialists
- Certified psychiatric nurses
- Certified licensed social workers
Referrals
Levindale welcomes outside referrals from physicians, behavioral health professionals, assisted living/group home facilities, retirement communities, nursing homes, family members and other involved people.
For more information on the mental health programs offered at Levindale, call 410-601-2358.
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