A picture of our senior behavioral waiting area.

Senior Behavioral Care Unit

Mizell's Senior Behavorial Care Unit is a 14-bed geriatric short-term inpatient psychiatric unit providing assessment, observation, diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders of patients age 55 and older.

AN EMOTIONAL TIME

We all hope our loved ones enjoy their "golden years," but as individuals, they experience loss of loved ones and stresses related to loss of mental and physical abilities.

A changing lifestyle and increased physical challenges can lead to sadness and withdrawal. However, ongoing personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate your loved one is suffering from a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or dementia.

WHAT WE OFFER

Mizell's Senior Behavioral Care provides individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

The first step is a free, confidential initial consultation to determine the appropriate level of care.

Upon admission, a thorough evaluation is made by our professional team to determine the cause of the patient's behavioral and mental changes. We also check for underlying medical or biochemical origins. We manage and treat any secondary medical needs of the patient.

We then work with the patient, family, and other health professionals to develop a treatment plan. Treatment includes individual meetings with psychiatrists, group therapy with seniors facing similar problems, activities therapy, and educational programs. We also plan and coordinate care following hospitalizations.

Our staff of nurses, psychiatrists, trained counselors and social workers can help with all aspects of a person's life.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, your loved one may be experiencing an emotional illness:

Insomnia or too much sleep
Unusual behavior
Poor appetite or overeating
Disregard for personal appearance
Impaired judgment
Thoughts of suicide
Forgetfulness, confusion, or disorientation
Trouble completing ordinary tasks

These symptoms are not normal at any age and should be considered an illness in the elderly.

Most emotional illnesses in older people are treatable, especially if dealt with early. In addition to improving their outlook on life, therapies also help seniors to better care for themselves and follow their primary care providers' directions, particularly about taking medications.

ADMISSION

Admissions are accepted 24-hours a day. Referrals may be made by physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members or friends. Admission decisions are made by a psychiatrist.

DISCHARGE

The treatment team works with the patient and family to develop an appropriate after-care plan. That may include a day to day hospital program, a community-based program, or outpatient therapy. A typically length of stay is 10-12 days. Our goal is to maintain the progress already made while in the hospital. Upon discharge, patients are released back to their primary care physicians for medical care.

CONTACT US

If you would like more information or need a free consultation, call Mizell Memorial Hospital's Senior Behavioral Care Unit. Our staff is available 24-hours a day, and all information is completely confidential.


To reach the unit, call (334) 493-5724.