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Web
Brochure
Most of us expect life to be a series of
changes. But change seems to be especially difficult in the later years, when
most every change also represents some type of loss. For example, the death of a spouse
often means the loss of a life long companion. Other common losses among the elderly
include loss of role, support, independence, peers, and financial stability. Many times,
nursing home placement is the end results of a series of such losses.
Often these losses come so fast that they overwhelm the elderly, stripping them of their
pride and self-esteem, leaving them without the skills they need to cope with everyday
life. Many elderly, unable to cope, struggle daily with unmanageable fear, anxiety, guilt,
or anger. Without intervention, these individuals will most likely continue the downward
spiral of hopelessness and despair. Studies indicate that 65% of all nursing home
residents have some form of depression. This number may very likely be even higher. Even
so, depression in the elderly often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Why? Because family members, nursing home staff, and even the older adults themselves may
think that sadness, loneliness, and anxiety are inevitable with the aging process. This is
incorrect! In fact, quiet often, simple interventions can give the person back their sense
of hope—literally transforming life from despair to optimism. At other times,
however, more intense interventions and medications are needed to help the individual cope
with their situation. Whatever the need, there is help available through Options
Nursing Home Mental Health Program of the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama, Inc. (MHCNCA)
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Options Provides a Wide
Array of Services
Options offers a complete
array of professional mental health services to nursing home residents who may be
adjusting to changes in their lives:
Assessment A detailed
assessment is completed, including the Mini-Mental Status Exam and the Geriatric
Depression Scale.
Individual Therapy Master
level therapists provide professional, confidential counseling one-on-one, helping clients
process feelings.
Group Therapy Group therapy is
often the best way to deliver services to the elderly—it increases socialization and
helps the client build a new support network.
Family Support Family support
provides education to family members regarding the aging process, mental illness, and how
to better cope with their situation. Family support is available individually and to
groups.
Psychiatric Evaluations MHCNCA
employs several psychiatrists who are available for complete full psychiatric work-ups,
consultation, and medication evaluations. Generally, the resident must be able to travel
to the Counseling Center for this service.
Crisis Intervention Staff are
on-site at the nursing home week days from 8 am to 5 PM. Emergency help is also available
24 hours a day.
Basic Living Skills Bachelor
level technicians provide education to clients regarding symptoms, and work with them to
implement new coping skills. Basic Living Skills are provided individually and in groups.
Mental Health Consults MHCNCA
staff are available to the nursing home staff daily for consultation regarding clients. In
addition, our staff consult with other professionals as needed to provide the best
possible service.
Specialized In-service Training
MHCNCA staff are available at no cost to provide in-service training to the nursing home
staff on a wide variety of mental health topics.
Options Can Assist in Many
Kinds of Situations
Psychiatric disorders are quite common among
nursing home residents. Recent studies indicate 75% or more of all those currently placed
in nursing homes suffer from some form of diagnosable, emotional problem. Many times,
these conditions, which do not represent the normal aging process, are treatable with
therapy and/or medication. There are always options. Below is a listing of the
symptoms of treatable disorders:
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sleep disturbance |
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change in sleep pattern |
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loss of appetite |
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sudden weight change |
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withdrawal from social interactions |
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decreased interest in pleasure / life |
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often bored |
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depressed mood |
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crying spells |
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sad expression |
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inadequate coping with grief / loss |
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adjustment difficulties |
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learned helplessness - wants staff to do everything |
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inappropriate behavior |
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aggressive behavior |
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anxiety / worry |
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fear |
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irritability or agitation |
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excessive or pent-up anger |
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poor anger control |
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inadequate coping skills |
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poor social skills |
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poor interpersonal relationships |
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hallucinations - seeing & hearing things |
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delusions - false beliefs |
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"can’t sit still" |
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inappropriate sexual behaviors |
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paranoid thinking - belief others are out to
get them |
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low self-esteem |
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avoids eye contact |
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makes negative remarks about self |
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hopelessness statements |
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"just waiting to die" |
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persistent focus on death / dying |
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suicidal comments |
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constant focus on problems |
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negative attitude |
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numerous complaints about environment (staff,
food, roommate, etc.) |
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confusion |
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trouble concentrating |
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memory problems |
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vocalized feelings of worthlessness |
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expression of excessive guilt |
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isolation from others |
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staying in room |
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staying in bed |
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focus on physical condition |
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refusing care |
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manic behavior - elevated mood, impulsive, very talkative |
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slowed body movement / response time |
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Cost of Receiving Services
Options is a program of the Mental Health
Center of North Central Alabama, Inc. We are not a state agency. We are a public,
non-profit organization which provides mental health services. Like other medical and
mental health providers, we provide services on a fee-for-service basis. We accept most
insurance plans that pay for mental health services. If the resident has Medicaid, we can
bill Medicaid directly, without cost to the resident or their family. Residents who have
no insurance but wish to privately pay for services will receive a discount off regular
fees.
How to make Referrals to Options
Options works closely with Social Services at
each nursing home. All referrals must come through the nursing home social worker. If you
work at the nursing home and believe a certain resident would benefit from mental health
services, talk to your supervisor and social services about possible referral . If you
have family at the nursing home who might benefit from mental health services, please talk
with the social worker about which services might be available for your loved one. Options
staff are also available as needed to explain the program .
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