Senior Behavioral Sciences

Bring Back the Music with Senior Behavioral Sciences

If there's an older adult in your life whose behavior is striking a strange chord, he or she may be displaying more than the normal signs of aging. Is your loved one...

...often sad, crying, anxious, sluggish, and without energy?
...thinking unclearly and easily lost or confused?
...withdrawn from family or friends?
...showing inappropriate aggressive behaviors?
...having trouble with sleeping or with poor eating habits?
...unable or unwilling to complete necessary tasks they used to do?
...having difficulties with current medication?
...complaining of aches and pains that don't respond to treatment?

If so, he or she may need professional help to return to normal living.

Age is not a disease.
The problems of aging do not develop according to a schedule, but older adults do have many unique needs and issues. Growing older can mean experiencing the onset of chronic illness, the loss of loved ones, trouble sleeping, or problems with memory lapses and concentration. Trying to cope with issues like these can be frightening for someone at any age.

To help address the complex needs of an aging population and the families who care for them, Senior Behavioral Sciences has a wide range of services designed to help our older neighbors maintain as much independence as possible. Our experienced team of professionals works to bring life back into balance and return the patient to healthy living.

Know the Warning Signs
Often, family members ignore or misinterpret these signals, considering them merely symptoms of "old age." In many cases, however these medical or psychological causes are very treatable. Warning signs of the need for treatment often include:

• confusion or incoherence
• frequent mood swings
• increased withdrawal from others
• suicidal tendencies
• agitation and/or aggression
• major changes in appetite
• sleep problems

Problems brought on by aging effect all of us. No one is immune.

Support for the family is critical
The problems of aging not only affect the older adult themselves: they affect their families, as well. Seeking treatment for a loved one can bring about pain and guilt for the rest of the family. An essential part of our program is to address the needs and emotions of family members. Through education and support, we also help them better understand the emotional and physical problems of the patient. We encourage family members to talk about their concerns, because we want to help them realize they are not alone.

About our program
Senior Behavioral Sciences provides a warm, gentle environment for the individualized needs of an older person. We recognize that people over the age of 55 are dealing with issues that are very different from those in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Many are dealing with the loss of a spouse, loved ones, or friends. They may have limited mobility, chronic health problems, or illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, which alter their ability to think clearly.

These patients require different types of care and therapies than do younger adults with mental health needs. Because their needs are different, the environment in which they are cared for should also be different and tailored to meet their unique requirements.

Inpatient Care Team and Structure
Our 10-bed unit, our inpatient program is designed to provide a caring and supportive environment that meets the individual needs of older adults. The program represents a shift in focus to serve the mental needs, as well as the physical needs, of the patient.

Patients admitted to Senior Behavioral Sciences are cared for by a team of healthcare professionals—including psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, nurses, activity therapists, psychotherapists, and counselors—who all specialize in geriatric care. Professionals from other departments at Southwest Health Center—such as occupational, physical, and speech therapists—are also available as needed.

After a thorough evaluation, patients receive an individualized treatment plan designed to help them reach an optimal level of well-being and independence. With treatments that include a structured plan of individual and group counseling, support groups, and medications, our patients have the opportunity to renew their social, physical, and mental skills.

Referrals and Insurance
Admission to the program may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by the patient, patient's family, physician, or other healthcare professionals by calling (608)348-3656. You may also contact us via email at sbs@southwesthealth.org. For a staff telephone  and email directory, click here.

The first step in successful treatment is an accurate diagnosis. Our specialists have vast experience working with older patients and their families to conduct thorough and accurate assessments. In addition to the mental assessment, a comprehensive medical assessment is conducted to gain a clear understanding of any coexisting medical problems, such as congestive heart failure, arthritis, or Parkinson's disease.

Conditions for which patients typically are admitted include:

• depression
• anxiety disorders
• obsessive/compulsive behaviors
• combativeness or violence against themselves or others, and
• early stages of dementia caused by an illness such as Alzheimer's disease.

Services for patients admitted to the program are covered by Medicare and most other insurance policies. Our program director will assist you with any questions you have.

Where to find us
To schedule an assessment or obtain additional information about the program, please call (608) 348-3656 or email at sbs@southwesthealth.org. Senior Behavioral Sciences is located in Platteville, Wisconsin, at 1185 North Elm Street.

Inquiries are always confidential.