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
Alliance Health Center's
staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, activity
therapists, dietitians and counselors, all working as a team to help patients
and families.
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.
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