One in five adults experiences mental illness each year and one in 20 adults are living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Across the nation, communities including Sumner County are experiencing drastic spikes in behavioral health issues. Hospitals, and in particular emergency rooms, are often the safety net for behavioral healthcare, especially when there are inadequate community resources. Research has found that one in eight ED visits involve behavioral health conditions. Emergency rooms are not properly suited to provide the type of treatment these patients need.
Recognizing this community need, the leadership at Sumner Regional Medical Center (SRMC) has opened a 12-bed behavioral health unit to provide dedicated inpatient care for older adults, aged 55 and above. The unit offers 24-hour supervised psychiatric treatment and crisis support for mental health issues.
“We are devoted to helping seniors heal mentally and emotionally by providing exceptional, evidence-based care that improves their overall quality of life,” said SRMC CEO Rod Harkleroad. “We are here to help our individuals overcome their worst days and see brighter ones. Here, patients will receive compassionate and comprehensive mental healthcare in a safe and therapeutic setting.”
Unique needs of this older population are met in this setting. Services include:
Crisis stabilization
24/7 clinical support from licensed behavioral health professionals
24/7 medically-staffed environment for continuous patient monitoring
Medication management
Individual therapy
Group counseling
Discharge planning
Recreational therapy
Memory impairment focused therapy
Treatment is individualized to each person’s needs and delivered with compassion by a care team of experienced professionals. We treat a wide range of mental health concerns including, among other things:
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Irritability/Agitation
Psychosis
Thoughts of harm to self or others
Behavioral dysregulation with comorbid memory impairment
Referrals to the geriatric inpatient behavioral health unit are accepted from friends, family, a facility (such as a nursing home or assisted living or a hospital), or a provider. A doctor’s referral is not required, and individuals may refer themselves, too. The age criteria of 55 or older must be met.
It’s okay to reach out for help. We realize it’s not always easy to recognize early symptoms of a developing mental health condition in seniors, but some common risk factors include recently widowed, loss of a loved one or a friend, a recent move, physical health decline or medical concern or changes in appearance.
We are here 24/7 to help with the admissions process. To inquire about getting help, please call 615.328.5098.
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