Compassionate Geriatric Behavioral Health Services

Physical, emotional and social changes challenge aging individuals, often making coping difficult even with devoted support from family and friends.

At RWJBarnabas Health, we offer compassionate and comprehensive geriatric psychiatric services tailored to meet the unique needs of aging adults dealing with mental health issues. Our experienced teams dedicate themselves to helping those coping with the complexities of aging and mental health challenges.

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What Is Geriatric Psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry dealing with the study, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in people in old age. As a subspecialty of psychiatry, it requires additional training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders in the aging population.

Types of Geriatric Behavioral Health We Treat

Aging adults can experience the same behavioral health disorders as everyone else. Disorders such as dementia, anxiety, and late-life schizophrenia can all have an impact on aging adults.

Elderly patients can undergo changes in their lives which make them more vulnerable to disease, notably depression. Often, the lines are not clear as to whether a patient’s problem is depression, dementia or a medical illness presenting as a behavioral disturbance.

RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey provides a complete spectrum of inpatient and outpatient mental health services, accommodating the varying severity of geriatric psychiatric conditions.

What Causes Geriatric Behavioral Health Disorders?

As people age, their bodies and minds undergo many changes, sometimes affecting their feelings and behaviors. Below are a variety of reasons why some older adults might experience mental health challenges:

  • Brain changes. Just like the rest of the body, the brain changes with age. Sometimes, these changes can make it hard for some people to remember things or feel happy.
  • Health problems. Dealing with long-term health issues like heart disease or diabetes can be challenging. It can make people feel sad or worried, especially if these illnesses cause pain or make it hard to do things they used to enjoy.
  • Medicine side effects. Older adults often need medication for health problems. But sometimes, these medicines can make them feel confused, sad or nervous because of how they work in the body.
  • Losing loved ones. When older adults lose friends or family members, it can make them feel sad. This kind of deep sadness can lead to depression if it goes on for a long time.
  • Feeling lonely. When people retire, they might not see friends or get out as often, especially if they can't move around easily. This can make them feel lonely, which can lead to feeling depressed.
  • Memory problems. Diseases that affect memory, like Alzheimer's disease, can change how a person behaves. They might become upset, confused, or anxious, which can be hard on them and their families.
  • Stress from life changes. Money worries, moving to a new living place, or having to rely on others for help with daily life can be very stressful and can affect a person's mental health.
  • Family history. Sometimes, mental health issues might run in families, and some older adults might be more likely to experience these problems because of their genes.
  • Trouble sleeping. Many older adults have problems sleeping. If they don't get enough rest, it can make them feel irritable or sad.
  • Unhealthy lifestyle. If older adults don't eat well, don't get enough exercise, or use substances like alcohol in unhealthy ways, it can make mental health issues worse.

Understanding these causes is critical because knowing about them can help us find better ways to support older adults in staying mentally healthy.

Geriatric Behavioral Health Symptoms

Symptoms of geriatric health disorders can vary widely depending on the specific condition, but there are common signs that may indicate a mental health issue in older adults, including:

  • Sudden changes in mood
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Sleep problems
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Lack of interest in personal care
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Anxiety
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Physical ailments without apparent cause
  • Agitation or aggressive behavior

Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial because treatment is often more effective when started quickly.

If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s important to seek help from a health care provider who can assess the symptoms and recommend the best course of action.

Geriatric Behavioral Health Diagnosis

Our geriatric psychiatrists and licensed professionals use a combination of assessments and evaluations to diagnose behavioral health conditions in elderly patients accurately.

Geriatric Behavioral Health Treatments

Our New Jersey facilities offer a complete range of inpatient and outpatient mental health services for geriatric patients. Treatments vary based on the severity of problems but may include one or more of the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medications
  • Home health care
  • Outpatient programs structured for maintaining a high level of independence
  • Hospitalization, providing a structured therapeutic approach in an appropriate environment

Compassionate Geriatric Psychiatric Care

At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand that each patient has a unique life story, health history, and set of needs. Our Geriatric Mental Health Services provide personalized care that respects the individuality of each patient. We assess all aspects of our senior patients' mental, physical, and emotional health to create comprehensive, tailored care plans.

If you are a loved one are facing geriatric behavioral health issues, reach out to our Access Center at 1-800-300-0628 for immediate support.