Senior Services
The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry at LakeWest Hospital
Helping You Return to a Healthy Lifestyle
Getting older does not have to mean losing one's independence and dignity. Changes in an older person's behavior or mood should not be ignored. Behavioral health problems experienced by older adults can be diagnosed and treated, rather than viewed as natural consequences of the aging process.
Indicators of serious behavioral health problems include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation/Significant behavioral disturbances
- Depression
- Sudden onset of memory impairment and/or confusion
- Sleeping and eating disturbances
- Unrealistic fears
- Withdrawal
- Hearing or seeing things not present; bizarre thoughts
- Suicide attempts or threats
The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry offers hope to those 65 years of age and older who are experiencing serious emotional difficulties. We extend a helping hand through an admission assessment and indvidualized treatment planning. Inpatient services focus on symptom relief and adaptive skill development to increase independence and mobility. This involves identification of capabilities, acceptance of limitations, and development of appropriate medication regimen. Services are provided by a licensed, professional staff comprised of psychiatrists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
Located within LakeWest Hospital in Willoughby, The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry can care for a variety of medical problems in conjunction with a primary psychiatric diagnosis. The location also permits easy access to neurological and other diagnostic procedures that help identify the causes of a patient's difficulties. This integrated approach enables the clinical team to determine the best course of treatment.
Services available through The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry include the following:
- Admission assessments
- Co-management of chronic medical conditions
- Medication adjustments
- Individual and group counseling
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Dietary consultation
- Patient and family education
- Discharge planning/placement assessment
Admission
Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day. Referrals may be made by physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members, or friends. A psychiatrist makes the decision regarding admission.
Going Home
The patient and family work with the treatment team to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. Aftercare might include a community-based program or outpatient therapy. Our goal is to help maintain the progress that was made during the patient's stay in The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry.
Contacting Us
Our staff is available 24 hours a day. All information is kept strictly confidential.
For more information about The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry, call 440-918-6366.
You Are Not Alone
Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant problem for older adults.
- One out of four older adults suffers from serious emotional difficulties related to aging.
- Depressed older adults have the highest risk of suicide in our society.
- About 19 million people will suffer from depression at one time in their lives. Of these, 80 to 90 percent can be effectively treated.