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Senior Care - Coping with Depression

The Senior Care Program became a part of the services offered at George County Hospital over three years ago in order to provide mental health services to persons 65 and over. Since that time, we have had the privilege of providing care for many seniors experiencing problems with depression, anxiety and other conditions that stood in the way of their being able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Depression in later life frequently coexists with other medical illnesses and disabilities. In addition, advancing age is often accompanied by the loss of key social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement, and/or relocation of residence. Because of their change in circumstances and the fact that they're expected to slow down, doctors and family may miss the diagnois of depression in elderly people, delaying effective treatment. As a result, many seniors find themselves having to cope with symptoms that could otherwise be easily treated.

Depression tends to last longer in elderly adults. It also increases their risk of death. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increased the likelihood of death from those illnesses. Depression also has been associated with increased risk of death following a heart attack. For that reason, making sure that an elderly person you are concerned about is evaluated and treated is important, even if the depression is mild.

Depression in the elderly is more likely to lead to suicide. The risk of suicide is a serious concern among elderly patients with depression. Elderly white men are at greatest risk, with suicide rates in people ages 80 to 84 more than twice that of the general population. The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people age 65 and older to be a major public health problem.

The professional, caring staff of the Senior Care Department at GRHS is ready to help anyone copying with depression or depression related issues. Please call 601-766-4298 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Common indicators of emotional illness in adults:

• Anxiety/Depression
• Agitation/Behavioral disturbances
• Changes in sleeping & eating habits
• Disregard for personal appearance & hygiene
• Memory impairments/Confusion
• Paranoia
• Thoughts or attempts of suicide
• Withdrawal/Social Isolation

GeorgeRegional Health System Senior Care is here to assure you that you and your family are not alone in caring for your elderly parent or loved one.Our program is designed to help individuals understand the surrounding circumstances and determine the best course of care.

AT A GLANCE

George Regional Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric program for older adults is an acute, short-term program which offers individual care in a secure and therapeutic environment 24 hours a day. At the program’s initial stage, our professional team performs a thorough evaluation to help determine the possible causes of the behavioral and mental changes. Our staff will then work with the patient, their family and other health professionals to develop a course of treatment that best meets the needs of the individual, improving all aspects of a person’s life.

SPECIAL SERVICES

• Psychiatric & physical assessment
• 24-hour nursing & medical support
• Medical management & education
• Access to physical & nutritional therapy
• Individualized treatment planning
• Diagnostic testing
• Family education & support
• Basic life skill enhancement
• Occupational therapy
• Placement assistance
• Individual & group therapy
• Motor skill development

All of these therapies are designed to help patients return home and resume their lives as quickly as possible. Our discharge planners and case managers also help plan and coordinate care following hospitalization.

ADMISSION

Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day. Physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, residential and long-termcare facilities, family members or friends may make referrals. Patients admitted to our services have primary Axis I diagnosis and exhibit severe symptoms. The decision regarding admission is made by a psychiatrist. Admission begins with a single phone call (601) 947-9101. If admission is indicated, we will contact our Medical Director and make arrangements.

GOING HOME

The patient and family work with the treatment team to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. Aftercare may include a day hospital program, a community-based program, or outpatient therapy. In some cases, an individual may need a more supportive environment such as assisted living, a personal care home or a nursing home. Our goal is to help maintain the progress that has already been made while in the hospital.

You Are Not Alone

Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant problem for older adults.

George Regional’s Senior Care is here to help you get on the right path toward living a better life.

For more information, call us at 601-947-9101. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, and all information is completely confidential.