In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview - (Page 15)

Personal attention Behavioral Health Unit at Lakewood provides unique care for seniors The Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Lakewood Hospital provides care through a multidisciplinary team approach. The unit staff consists of nurses, behavioral health techs, an occupational therapist, a recreational therapist and a social worker who have input on each patient’s care plan and provide direct patient care. Each patient is unique and activities on the unit are chosen to meet the group’s needs and interests. Care plans are centered on assessments that provide information about the patients’ families, their caregivers, their previous occupations and hobbies. “We may shop through the newspaper ads with a group that likes to shop, clip coupons, or needs new items of clothing,” says nurse manager Jane Burandt, RN. The unit has 17 beds and provides care for people ages 55 and older who have dementia with behavioral disturbance or other psychiatric diagnosis. Medications are adjusted so patients can be at their best. The average length of stay is 12 to 14 days, and patients are discharged home or to facilities that allow for their highest level of function. what a day is Like The team provides programs that help patients maintain a normal sleep and activity cycle. Breakfast is served in the community room and a group meeting orients them to the day’s events. There is time for assessments, showers and a group activity before lunch. Activities include baking and cooking, music therapy, art projects and even playing games on the popular Wii video game system. “It is great to watch a group come together to make potato pancakes or a holiday cake,” says recreational therapist Julie Fandrich. “It’s even more fun to watch them eat and share their efforts with visitors and family.” When patients have a birthday, they receive a card and a stuffed animal and are treated to a rendition of “Happy Birthday” from their fellow patients and the staff. Baby boomers are becoming the geriatric population, explains Burandt. “As more people have issues with Nurse manager Jane Burandt, RN, discusses a patient care plan with one of her colleagues. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, our team strives to provide the best care for them and their families. We help address fears and questions, and offer support and hope to those we serve.” Caring for the oLder aduLtS in our Community for more information about the Senior Behavioral health unit at Lakewood hospital, call 800.701.1707. you know? did Lakewood Hospital offers integrated, comprehensive services for patients ages 55 and older. For an outpatient assessment that addresses the specialized care needs of both the older adult and his or her caregivers, call 216.521.2228. in good heaLth i 15

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview
Contents
Give birth your way-midwives are ready to help
Could you have an irregular heartbeat?
Truck driver steers his heath back on track
Doing it her way
Don't fall for these eight myths about back problems

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview