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Geriatrics and Senior Care

Senior Behavioral Health

The Senior Behavioral Health Department at Good Samaritan Hospital is set in a home-like, relaxing environment. The TriHealth senior inpatient program addresses the psychological, medical emotional and spiritual needs of Greater Cincinnati's older adults.

Our distinct program advantages:

  • Physicians fellowship-trained in geriatric psychiatry, staff specially trained in senior mental health care
  • One-call admission process - intake coordinator handles all arrangements
  • Flexible age requirement for admission based on need, not age
  • 24-hour access and assistance for patients, family members, health and senior service professionals, long-term care personnel and clergy
  • Facility adapted to the needs of older adults
  • Support for patients and families
  • Discharge facilitated by social work staff

When We Can Help

While many outpatient programs exist within the community, a structured inpatient treatment program like TriHealth Senior Behavioral Health may be more beneficial when older adults exhibit certain conditions or behaviors. Some of these behaviors include the following:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Severe depression
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions
  • Sudden change in cognitive functioning
  • Agitation or inappropriate verbal, vocal or motor activity,
  • Sundown Syndrome with severe disruptions of activity of daily living
  • Decompensation of chronic mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
  • Hallucinations or delusions

A Team Approach to Care

Professionals trained in geriatric psychiatry care for our patients:

  • Fellowship-trained geriatric psychiatrists
  • Psychiatric nurses
  • Social workers
  • Activity and occupational therapists
  • Other specialists as necessary

Upon admission, each patient receives the following:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
  • Individualized treatment plan
  • Daily therapeutic activities in the form of physical, musical and creative groups
  • Physician management of chronic medical conditions
  • Ready access to services such as physical therapy and dietary counseling made possible by hospital setting

Treatment: How it Works

The focus of treatment in the Senior Behavioral Health Department is crisis stabilization, which is defined as:

  • Intensive assessment and symptom management, and treatment for acute psychiatric disorders with problem-focused interventions combined with education about symptom management, medications and community resources.

The goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize behaviors to maximize independence and functioning by engaging the patient (and, when appropriate, the family, support system and care providers) in individualized treatment planning and discharge planning.

Key Features

  • 10-bed unit secure unit adapted to the needs of older adults
  • 24-hour care on a secure unit for safety and stabilization
  • Crisis stabilization treatment model-intensive assessment, symptom management and treatment for severe psychiatric disorders or behavioral disturbances associated with cognitive decline
  • Physicians fellowship trained in geriatric medicine and psychiatry,  and staff specially trained in senior behavioral health care
  • Interdisciplinary treatment team also includes Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapists/Recreational Therapists
  • Additional services include assessment by Nutritionist, and access to Physical Therapists, Respiratory Therapists.
  • Treatment for complex medical issues while receiving psychiatric care
  • Social work assistance with discharge planning with long-term care placement or coordination with in-home care providers  

Insurance

The Good Samaritan Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Department is a Medicare and Medicaid provider. Most private insurance plans are also accepted.

Senior Services - Senior Behavioral Health
375 Dixmyth Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45220-4275
Call 513 862 4100