Fieldstone Center
Geropsychiatric Inpatient Program

Patient Referral Line: 800.582.1900

People are living longer than before, and families and health professionals are having to learn to manage the special needs of older people. Mental illness occurs with even greater intensity when associated with conditions of older age like loss of status, companionship, money, work and poor physical health. To improve the mental health status of the older population, the Geropsychiatric Inpatient Program provides intensive, structured and specialized assessment and treatment for men and women, generally 65 and older.

Mental Health Symptoms

Mental health problems in older adults can be caused by long-term or sudden illness, such as strokes, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and hormonal disorders. Often the interactions of some medications, genetics, family history and some personality traits will cause an older person to become susceptible to mental illness. Life events, like the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a new place and/or financial difficulties have also been linked to psychiatric difficulties.

When one or more of the following problems begin to interfere with the older person's normal lifestyle, professional help at the Fieldstone Center may be needed:

• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Confusion or decrease in memory
• Family conflicts
• Sleep difficulties
• Marked change in behavior
• Decrease in self-care
• Suspicion toward others

Program Description

Fieldstone Center provides a safe, secure and supportive environment. All services are designed to address the special needs and interests of the older patient and are provided in a safe, secure and supportive environment that:

• Promotes stabilization
• Provides psychiatric and medical diagnostic clarification
• Stabilizes a patient who is experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis
• Offers psychiatric treatment for a variety of mental disorders
• Addresses self sufficiency in daily living skills
• Involves the family and other providers throughout the individual's assessment and treatment
• Returns patients to an optimal level of functioning
• Works with community agencies in discharge planning to help the individual adjust after discharge from the program

Services Available

Services provided as part of the treatment plan may include some or all of the following:

• Nursing care
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Psychological and neuropsychological assessments
• Medical, dietary and pharmacy consultations
• Physical activity, occupational therapy and music therapy
• Pastoral care and clergy services

Family Consultations

Often, family members are the first to recognize that there is a problem with a senior family member. Consultations are available for families suspecting that a problem exists or who simply would like more information.

Families are important members of the treatment process, and their input and involvement are encouraged. Our goal is to help family members cope more effectively with changes and conflicts as well as sharing information on continued care and treatment.

For Further Assistance or to Refer to the Program

If you are concerned that an older adult needs mental health services, call the Fieldstone Centers referral line at 800.582.1900 for more information.

We also offer services for families and adults.