Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/589140
Specialty Support for Aging Patients According to data from 2012, over 20 percent of Americans older than age 65 meet the requirements for a behavioral health problem (including dementia). During a mental health crisis that requires hospitalization, access to proper mental health care can make a huge difference. Open since July, Senior Behavioral Health Services at Frankfort Regional is a 12-bed specialty unit that is the only service of its kind in the communities we serve. "Previously, many patients had to travel thirty miles or more to get care," says Ramesh Ghanta, MD, Medical Director of Senior Behavioral Health Services at Frankfort Regional. "This was a problem particularly for patients who lived in residential care who needed extra treatment for dementia or depression." When We Can Help Patients can be referred to the program for: • Depression and suicidal thoughts (often secondary to a dementia diagnosis) • Anxiety resulting in constant fears, paralyzing worry or panic attacks • Severe disorientation or memory impairment • Inability to maintain adequate nutrition that threatens life or vital bodily functions • Threatening thoughts or actions toward others • Unusual or bizarre thoughts or mindset • Emotional issues caused by other medical problems or substance abuse • Inability to remain psychiatrically stable through outpatient care "People can meet the criteria for admission much sooner than families realize," says Jennifer Floyd Aranilla, RN, BSN, Behavioral Health Services Program Director. In addition to providing a safe place for stabilization and recovery, our program is designed to focus on the specific needs of older patients. "Seniors face many challenges that can exacerbate depression," Dr. Ghanta says. "This can include poor physical health, financial issues and lack of social support due to not being in the working world and loved ones passing away." At Frankfort Regional Medical Center, Senior Behavioral Health Services provides inpatient care for seniors facing mental health disorders. 4 FrankfortRegional.com