One out of every four seniors experiences serious behavioral changes related to the various problems of aging.
Some older adults suffer from depression, or struggle with anxiety, or become increasingly confused.
The mission of the Senior Behavioral Health Program is to strengthen the emotional well-being of older people by helping them reach and maintain their full potential. This is accomplished by using a multi-disciplinary approach, which focuses on the mental and physical concerns of the older adult, while recognizing and respecting their dignity at all times. The Dual Diagnosis Program at Mercy Community Hospital's Senior Behavioral Health Unit helps seniors who suffer from misuse of medications or other substances. The Dual Diagnosis Program provides a safe place to evaluate the medication regime and physical condition of a dual-diagnosis patient. Participants in the program attend educational groups to learn new coping skills to deal with the life stressors, and receive support from peers who are sharing similar experiences.