Milestones—A Program for Geriatric Adults

Alliance Health Center's geriatric program is specifically designed to care for elderly patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of pre-senile dementia; organic brain syndrome; depression; paranoia; hallucinations, delusions or illusions; the inability to comply with medication regimen in an outpatient setting; and the loss of the general ability to take care of oneself.

Dementia is a term referring to a deteriorative mental state, marked by the reduction or absence of intellectual faculties due to organic brain disease. While symptoms may vary for each individual, they increase in intensity from slight memory loss and confusion to severe impairment and physical limitations. Dementia is a progressive or degenerative disease that has a long-term emotional impact on the families.

The long-term implications of failing health, the onset of mental disability, and the progressive debilitation often seen in the elderly affect not only the patient, but also their spouse and other family members. With this in mind, the geriatric program involves the family in education, coping skills such as stress management, and after-care recommendations.

Our Staff

Admission

Patients may seek admission to the geriatric program when referred by a physician, a mental health professional, friend or family member. Once a patient is admitted, referral sources are kept informed about the treatment program and the patient's progress, and will be contacted if a medical emergency arises.

An attending physician, nurse and social worker complete an assessment to determine if the person seeking admission meets the clinical criteria. Among the determining factors are whether hospitalization is required or whether less intensive treatment is available or appropriate.

Treatment

During diagnosis and evaluation, information is obtained and assessments are made through formal evaluation, including standardized tests, and informal observation, that provide an in-depth understanding of the patient's history. The treatment team in able to create a plan designed to provide maximum benefit to the patient that is broad in scope and will include prescribed medication and a dietary plan. Components may include group and individual therapy, reality therapy, independent living skills, medication compliance, family therapy and activity therapy.

Typically, the evaluation includes a hospital stay of one to three weeks. Once inpatient treatment is complete, we will assist you in placing your loved one back into the home, nursing home or other supportive long-term care facility.

After-care planning actually begins as part of the treatment planning process. Among the factors considered are continuing home health care, follow-up medical care, use of medication, living arrangements, and family involvement.

Family Education

Because family and social relationships are critical to effective treatment, it is important that family members be actively involved in the therapeutic process. A vital component of family therapy is education. Our counselors educate family members on the aging process, the patient's needs and treatment goals, and assist them in working through their own feelings about the patient's behavior and/or the need for long-term care.