Geriatric Inpatient Services

Older adults experience unique behavioral health challenges that require care and maintenance to ensure the best quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 15% of adults ages 60 and over suffer from at least one mental health disorder, with the most common being depression and anxiety.

At Starr Regional Medical Center, we understand that older adults at the intersection of certain life changes are vulnerable to mental health concerns and may need more intensive treatment options. We provide high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services designed to meet the unique needs of seniors throughout the community. Our 18-bed unit provides 24/7 supervised mental health treatment and crisis support for geriatric patients ages 50+ experiencing a wide range of concerns related to cognitive disorders, dementia, loss or adjustment concerns, or other physical health issues.

What We Treat

We treat the following mental health concerns:

• • • Anxiety disorders
    • Bipolar disorders
    • Depression
    • Cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's and dementia
    • Behaviors posing a threat to the safety of oneself or others
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • Mood swings
    • Psychosis
    • Paranoia
    • Inability to function due to stress

What We Provide

• • • Psychiatric evaluation
    • Cognitive testing
    • 24-hour nursing care
    • Medical monitoring
    • Medication management
    • Physical, occupational and speech therapies
    • Nutritional assessment
    • Fall risk assessment and prevention
    • Pain assessment and management
    • Multidisciplinary group therapy sessions
    • Recreational therapy
    • Discharge planning

Admission Criteria

Seniors experiencing the following may be eligible for admission:

• • • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts, plans or actions
    • Chronic and continuing self-destructive behaviors that pose a significant and/or immediate threat to life, limb or bodily function
    • Self-mutilation, actual or threatened
    • Assaultive, threatening behaviors or significant verbal threat to safety of others
    • Auditory and visual hallucinations
    • Paranoia and/or delusional thoughts
    • Disorientation or memory loss due to an acute mental health disorder that endangers the welfare of self or others
    • Inability to maintain adequate self-care, severely impaired functioning, or dangerous or life-threatening situations related to mental health concerns
    • Imminent or active withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, confusion or GI disturbances, that require 24-hour medical monitoring and intervention to minimize potential medical complications

Quality Behavioral Health Care, Close to Home

Our three-step referral process makes it easy for healthcare providers to refer patients to our program. Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Review the Referral Process