Geriatric Psychiatric Unit
Senior adults may experience mental and psychiatric conditions for various reasons. These may include the biological and psychological aspects of normal aging, the effects of specific acute and chronic physical illnesses and even grief and stress due to the death of a loved one. The good thing is, the geriatric treatment unit (GTU) at MetroWest Medical Center’s Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick provides exceptional geriatric behavioral health services using a specialized approach to help ensure that our older patients receive the compassionate care they need.
Our geriatric behavioral health care features
- A two-bed inpatient unit
- Individualized care from board-certified specialists and experienced staff
- Access to comprehensive programs, such as nutritional assessments, yoga and pet therapy
What is Geriatric Psychiatry?
Geriatric psychiatry is an emerging specialty that provides psychiatric care for older adults or patients 65 years of age and above. Individuals aged 60 to 64 who are suffering from dementia may also be covered by this specialization. Geriatric psychiatry focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of emotional and mental conditions such as
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety disorder
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Parkinson’s disease
- Personality disorders
- Psychosis
Our Geriatric Behavioral Health Treatment Program
Our goal at the geriatric treatment unit at Leonard Morse Hospital is to help improve our senior patients’ quality of life by providing a custom treatment program that addresses each of their specific needs. We offer a senior behavioral health treatment program that provides specialized, holistic care for a range of neurological and medical conditions. This comprehensive program may include the following services and treatment options:
- Dual diagnosis
- Dietary and nutrition assessments and consultations
- Cognitively stimulating activities
- Medication management
- Pet therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Family intervention
- Educational meetings for the patients and their families
- Physical therapy
- 24/7 access to our crisis assessment team
Our Team
Our experienced team of board-certified specialists in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry, as well as psychiatry and neurology, will be there for our patients every step of the way—from medical evaluation and assessments to relapse prevention. We also have dietitians, nurses, occupational/recreational therapists and clinical social workers who are equally committed to helping our patients overcome mental disorders, substance abuse and medical and/or neurological conditions whatever the cause may be.
Find Help
If you or someone you love need geriatric behavioral care, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our geriatric physicians. This can help you learn more about your condition and find out the next steps for your well-being.
Mental disorders and substance abuse may arise at any age, so if you have symptoms of these conditions, please do not take them lightly as these may lead to life-threatening circumstances.
On the other hand, in case of a psychiatric emergency, such as a suicide attempt or a violent behavior, please immediately call our assessment team at 508-650-7339. Doctors may also refer patients through this phone number. Your safe care is our #1 priority.
