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Senior Adult Mental Health Program

Port St. Lucie Florida Hospital’s Senior Adult Program

Older adults, or those aged 50 or above, make essential contributions to our society as employees, friends and family members. Although mental health problems and substance abuse problems are not a normal part of aging, many older Americans face issues such as anxiety and depression. Chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes can take a serious toll on mental health, especially as we age. The Port St. Lucie Senior Adult Mental Health Program promotes mental health and overall wellness in older adults, helping seniors enjoy a higher quality of life.

The Mental Health Issues Facing Senior Adults 

Our population is aging quickly. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 2015 and 2050, the population of older adults will roughly double. Specifically, the number of adults over the age of 60 will go from 900 million to 2 billion. Unfortunately, older adults face particular mental and physical health challenges. As a result, treatments should be specifically tailored to them. 

The WHO also estimates that 20% of adults over 60 suffer from either a mental or neurological condition, with dementia and depression the most common conditions. Furthermore, they note that 7% of the world’s older population suffer from depression, 3.8% have anxiety disorders and the remaining 9% experience substance abuse. Many of these problems, unfortunately, are under-identified by health care professionals, meaning few senior adults get the care they actually need.

Port St. Lucie’s Senior Adult Mental Health Program

Port St. Lucie’s senior adult program was created to provide integrative, holistic mental health treatment to senior adults. We not only treat the medical causes of mental health disorders but also give individuals the support they need to overcome difficulties and live a healthier life. For instance, some of the conditions we can assist with include: 

With this in mind, the community-based Port St. Lucie Hospital offers both voluntary and involuntary comprehensive treatment programs designed to meet the specific needs of adults over 60 suffering from serious psychiatric and/or dual diagnosis issues. The first step, however, is simply beginning with a conversation with our mental health professionals. This will help you better understand mental health conditions and treatment options. 

Port St. Lucie Treatment and Care Strategies

Senior adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health conditions because they often live in isolation, away from friends and family members. Moreover, many older adults may feel a stigma towards needing mental health services because of their upbringing. Port St. Lucie Hospital recognizes the specific needs of older populations and tailors the Senior Adult Mental Health Program by providing: 

  • Specialized training for staff in providing care for older adults 
  • Cognitive and behavioral health-based services
  • Targeted policies on long-term and palliative care 
  • Preventing and managing chronic age-related and other diseases, specifically mental health and substance use disorders
  • Nutrition and activities for brain health 
  • Creating age-friendly environments and services for senior adults. 

Treatment Process

Port St. Lucie Hospital’s Senior Adult Mental Health Program provides the highest quality assessment, diagnosis, stabilization and treatment for adults over the age of 60 with acute psychiatric issues. In addition, seniors can choose between inpatient or partial hospitalization. Treatment is provided for our patients with kindness, empathy, dignity, and respect at all levels in the continuum of care in order to maximize the individual’s ability to achieve successful mental and emotional health.

Before a patient begins treatment, several assessments are conducted to evaluate their physical, social and emotional health. In particular, these assessments help determine the appropriate level of care, including inpatient or partial hospitalization treatment. Treatment modalities consist of:

  • Crisis evaluation
  • Cognitive screenings
  • Medication evaluation and management
  • Group psychotherapy
  • Family education
  • Nutritional consultations
  • Supplemental therapies
  • Coordination with primary care physicians
  • Coordination with community senior services, as well as care managers

What Does Care Look Like for Older Adults? 

As we grow older, both our minds and bodies need extra support. As a result, care at Port St. Lucie Hospital is designed uniquely for senior adults. In particular, each treatment plan is designed by our interdisciplinary team to provide each senior with the best care track. Moreover, treatment plans evolve with the patient. For example, we reassess and re-evaluate each patient frequently, in order to help them continue to grow and to support them to work towards a healthier life. Additionally, we focus on giving them the resources they need for success including: 

  • Counseling for individuals and their support groups
  • Self-care strategies  
  • Treatment for chronic and co-occurring conditions 
  • Empowerment techniques promoting feelings of security and freedom
  • Tools they need for long term mental health 
  • Flexible pacing of programs to match their needs 

Discharge Process

Planning for discharge, be it a return to a home environment or an alternate living arrangement, begins on the day of admission. Social workers and the treatment team, with the input and assistance of family and caregivers, help to make the transition to community living a safe and seamless experience. Connect with us today to see how we can help you or a loved one. 

Medicare and most HMO’s and PPO’s are accepted. In addition, financial arrangements for self-pay may also be made.

We can help you

Port St. Lucie Hospital specializes in mental health services and is located on 20 acres near the beautiful Savannas Preserve. If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with a mental health disorder, we can help. Our 24-hour mental health services are provided by licensed professionals in various disciplines. We tailor our programs to our patient’s needs and will help you every step of the way.

We welcome you to our facility. From support groups to individual therapy treatment options, we are here to fight the battle with you. Reach out to us online today. You can also call us at (772) 238-7734.
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