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Senior Behavioral Sciences

Many of the elderly face difficult issues, including the loss of a spouse, loved ones or friends. They may have limited mobility, chronic health problems or illnesses such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. With the help of SHC’s Senior Behavioral Science, these difficulties can be made easier for the elderly and their families. 

About Our Program 

We offer individualized, personal care in a warm, supportive atmosphere. Our professional team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of behavioral and mental changes. We then work with patients and families to develop a course of treatment.

These treatments can include: educational programs, individual meetings with psychiatrists and group therapy with those who have similar conditions. Our nurses, psychiatrists, social workers and activity therapists help with all aspects of a patient’s life.

In order to address the unique needs and help our elderly neighbors maintain as much independence as possible, we have a wide range of services, such as:

 

Dealing with Emotional Illness 

Persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate your loved one is suffering from a mental illness such as depression. These symptoms are not normal at any age. In the elderly, they often indicate illness. Many emotional illnesses are treatable and the earlier they are caught, the better the results.

The Family’s Role 

When one family member suffers from a mental or emotional illness, everyone is affected. The process of obtaining help for a loved one can bring pain and guilt for the rest of the family. Stresses and strains in relationships are intensified.

We understand this and encourage family members to participate in their loved one’s treatment process. Our family support groups help re-establish healthy communication that leads to stronger family ties and happier lives.

Inpatient Hospitalization

We want you to know there is hope and the right care is available locally. Stabilizing a mental health crisis sometimes requires direct personal care in the hospital. All our care is provided in a supportive environment with 24-hour nursing care to ensure patients’ well-being.

Our care is personal and our team of healthcare professionals — including psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, nurses, activity therapists, psychotherapists and counselors —specialize in geriatric care. Our 10-bed inpatient care unit includes professionals from other departments at SHC — such as occupational, physical, and speech therapists — that are available as needed.

No two patients are exactly alike, so we develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on the results of our thorough physical and mental evaluation. Our therapies are designed to help patient’s better care for themselves, follow their provider’s instructions about taking medicines and live as safely as possible.

Treatment may include:

  • Counseling for life stress
  • New ways to adapt to illness and stress
  • Education about mental illness
  • Understanding and using medication appropriately

To ensure the best possible care, we offer:

  • Confidential initial consultation to determine the appropriate level of care
  • Follow-up care to ensure long-lasting improvements
  • Management of patients secondary medical needs

 

Typically, patients are admitted with the following conditions:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive/compulsive behaviors
  • Combativeness or violence against themselves or others
  • Early stages of dementia caused by an illness such as Alzheimer's disease

Referrals may be made by physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members or friends. However the final admission decision is made by a psychiatrist.

Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and program services are covered by Medicare and most other insurance policies.

 

Intensive Outpatient Services

Providing personal care means no two patients are alike and often an overnight hospital stay is not necessary. SHC’s Intensive Outpatient program is for Medicare patients 50 years and older who are experiencing behavioral or emotional difficulties but do not require inpatient therapies. 

What Does the Program Offer My Family Member? 

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Approximately six hours of therapy per week
  • Wellness activities
  • Guidance to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors
  • Coping strategies
  • Medication management
  • Individual psychosocial assessment
  • Other therapies as needed

 

How Can I Find Out More About This Program?

Stop by – we’re located in the Park Place campus at 1185 North Elm Street in Platteville

 

Call us at (608) 348-3656

 

Memory Diagnostic Clinic

Memory loss is treatable and our personal care is always here to help improve you and your family member’s lives. At SHC’s Memory Diagnostic Clinic, our mission is diagnosing and treating dementia as early as possible.

 

We follow internationally recognized protocols for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and other causes of memory impairment. Our interdisciplinary team includes psychiatrist TJ Norton, MD, Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, Christine Dressler, APNP, and social worker Jennifer Miller-Kass, MSW.

We provide on-going monitoring and support and we assist patients and families in planning for the future. We’re also happy to communicate with a patient’s primary care physician upon request.

The clinic is located on SHC’s Park Place campus at 1185 North Elm Street in Platteville.

 

  • Accessing care should be easy. That’s why anyone, including a physician, family member, caregiver or the patient, can make a referral to the clinic.
  • The patient or caregiver receives a packet of releases for medical information, medical history form and caregiver assessment forms. These forms should be completed and brought to the first appointment.
  • The first visit to the clinic is a two-hour appointment, followed by a half-hour appointment one month later. Three to six month follow-up appointments are scheduled as appropriate.
  • For more information or to schedule an appointment, call SHC’s Memory Diagnostic Clinic at (608) 348-3656. 
  • The patient/caregiver(s)/family provide a history
  • The patient receives a neuropsychological examination, depression screenings, functional and sensory exams and a targeted physical examination.
  • Laboratory and radiological testing is ordered as appropriate.
  • Appropriate services such as occupational, physical, speech therapy and nutritional consults are scheduled as indicated.

 

  • The patient, family and caregiver are given the diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
  • Patients and family are counseled and provided further information regarding dementia, future planning and community resources.
  • Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are linked with the Alzheimer's Association for further education and support.
Finding out more is easy.
Stop by for a visit. We're on the Park Place campus at 1185 North Elm Street in Platteville, Wisconsin. Or, call us at (608) 348-3656. Or, feel free to drop us an email, too, at sbs@southwesthealth.org.