Everyday life can be overwhelming, particularly as people age. The National Council on Aging estimates that one in four older adults experiences a behavioral health issue. Some studies on senior behavioral health estimate the total number of older adults who experience behavioral health issues to reach 15 million in the United States by 2030.
Behavioral health issues among older adults can lead to patients feeling dissatisfied with their positions in life and experiencing a range of physical symptoms. Unfortunately, older adults are less likely to receive behavioral health treatment than young people. Older adults who do not receive treatment for their mental health issues typically see those issues worsen. Older adults may start experiencing heavy fatigue and physical illnesses, and in some cases, behavioral health challenges can lead to suicide.
The aging process is not always easy, but it should not mean that older adults have to sacrifice their happiness and quality-of-life. At Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we empower older adults to adapt to lifestyle changes and transition through life’s journeys with dignity. For older adults, good mental health leads to good health overall.
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital’s Transitions program offers specialized treatment for people 55 and older who may be struggling with a life-changing event. With our mental health services for elderly patients, we can help patients deal with the challenges of aging gracefully. Life-changing events for older adults can include:
- Retirement
- Divorce
- An onset of chronic illness
- Periods of social withdrawal
- A lack of independence
- A loss and period of grief
We offer a safe senior behavioral health unit in a setting that is comfortable, dignified, and therapeutic. Our brand-new behavioral health facilities are open, bright, spacious, and inviting. Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital features multiple common areas that offer easy accessibility and socialization opportunities for older adults.
Common Conditions Treated:
Our team of behavioral health professionals treats a wide range of older adult mental health issues. Some of the more common behavioral health conditions we treat are:
- Anxiety, agitation, panic
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia-related behaviors
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
The above list is not exhaustive, and in many cases, older adult patients face co-occurring mental health conditions. If you think that you or a loved one may suffer from a behavioral health issue, know that help is available for each patient’s unique needs.
Clinical Expertise:
Our highly-trained clinical staff provides personalized treatment programs for each older adult patient. Our team takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and we also adhere to trauma-informed care best practices. A patient’s care team typically includes:
- Psychiatrists
- Internists
- Registered nurses
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Recreational therapists
- Ancillary nursing staff
- Pharmacist
Each specialist on a patient’s care team recognizes and understands the unique needs of older adults. Our specialists work closely with each patient to develop treatment goals and continually assess progress.
Comprehensive Care
Our highly-structured and comprehensive inpatient mental health treatment program helps older adult patients develop coping skills. Strong coping skills are key for helping patients deal with the issues that led them to hospitalization. We also provide inpatient hospitalization for detoxification and rehabilitation from substance use disorder. Older adults in our detoxification and substance abuse programs may also suffer from co-occurring behavioral health issues. We can help patients who have a variety of complex behavioral health issues that are not a normal part of aging.
Part of the patient intake process includes building a custom care plan for each patient. An older adult’s care plan may consist of the following treatment services :
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- Recreational and expressive therapies
- Movement therapy (Yoga, Tai Chi)
- Art therapy
- Patient and family education sessions
- Gym access
- Aftercare and discharge planning
With each custom care program, our team helps older adult patients:
- Cope with grief and loss
- Increase socialization
- Build social skills
- Develop relationships
- Manage stress
- Improve coping skills
- Prioritize self-care
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Manage anger, agitation, and irritability
At our senior behavioral health unit, we understand that lasting treatment outcomes require ongoing work. Both older patients and their family members must work to create a supportive home environment and build on the progress the patient made when hospitalized. An important component of our comprehensive treatment approach is providing patients and their families with a plan for the future.
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Can Help
We are here to help you or your loved one access behavioral health treatment and live life to the fullest. The first step towards accessing behavioral health treatment for older adults is having the patient complete a free mental health assessment. The results from the free mental health assessment help our team develop a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more about our senior mental health services or to schedule a free mental health assessment, contact our team. We are available to provide free and confidential mental health assessments 24/7. If you or someone you know needs help, call our hospital at (775) 393-2200.