In this episode of the "We Talk Health" podcast, host Kara Mobley engages in a candid conversation with Shelby McMillon, the Director of Lake Haven Behavioral Health, focusing on a critical topic that affects many families today: the challenges of caring for aging loved ones grappling with mental health issues.
Understanding Geriatric Psychiatry
Shelby McMillon offers valuable insights into the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at Lake Haven, an essential resource for families facing this increasingly common dilemma. This specialized unit is designed to address the complex emotional and behavioral health needs of seniors, which can be compounded by age-related conditions such as dementia, depression, and anxiety.
What the Geriatric Psych Unit Offers:
Lake Haven’s Geriatric Psychiatry Unit stands out for its tailored approach in providing compassionate and specialized treatment for elderly patients. This unit is staffed with experts trained in geriatric medicine, ensuring that seniors receive care that is specifically adapted to their unique psychological and medical needs.
Addressing Family Hesitations
It’s not uncommon for families to experience guilt or uncertainty when considering inpatient psychiatric care for an elderly relative. Shelby acknowledges these feelings, which often stem from a desire to provide care within the family setting. However, she emphasizes that seeking professional help is often a necessary step for ensuring the well-being of the loved one—as well as the family caregivers.
Key Points on Family Hesitations:
- Guilt and Uncertainty: Many families struggle with feelings of guilt, believing that they should be able to manage their loved ones’ care on their own.
- Need for Specialized Care: Recognizing that some conditions require specialized treatment can be a turning point in the decision-making process.
- Support for Caregivers: The program not only supports the patient but also provides necessary respite and resources for caregivers, highlighting that seeking help is an act of love, not abandonment.
Emotional Healing and Stability for Seniors
The impact of proper treatment on elderly patients can be transformative. Shelby discusses how effective interventions can lead to significant improvements in not only the mental health of seniors but also their overall quality of life. This treatment allows them to regain a sense of stability, enabling more meaningful connections within their families and communities.
Impact of Treatment:
- Reduced Symptoms: Appropriate psychiatric intervention can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions that affect emotional well-being.
- Quality of Life: With improved mental health, patients can engage more fully with their families and enjoy a higher quality of daily life.
- Caregiver Relief: Treatment can also reduce the burden on family caregivers, allowing them to manage their responsibilities more effectively without compromising their loved ones’ care.
Advice for Families Considering Geriatric Psychiatry
Shelby shares practical advice for families contemplating this path, aiming to demystify the process and emphasize the benefits of seeking professional help.
What to Expect:
- Initial Assessment: Families can expect an assessment that involves a thorough review of the senior’s medical history, psychological evaluations, and discussion of family dynamics.
- Treatment Plans: Following assessment, Lake Haven’s team develops a tailored treatment plan that addresses both medical and psychological needs, often involving medication management and therapeutic interventions.
- Engagement of Family Members: Family involvement is crucial, as educational resources are provided to help family members understand and support their loved one’s treatment process.
Conclusion
The "We Talk Health" podcast serves as an essential resource for families navigating the challenging waters of geriatric mental health care. With Shelby McMillon’s guidance, listeners can glean valuable insights into the workings of the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at Lake Haven Behavioral Health and understand the compelling reasons to consider inpatient care when caring for elderly loved ones facing mental health challenges.
As Shelby articulates, seeking help from professionals like those at Lake Haven is not just about managing behavior; it’s about ensuring a better, healthier life for seniors and providing much-needed support for families. By addressing the stigma around inpatient care and promoting open discussions about mental health, Lake Haven Behavioral Health is paving the way for greater awareness and understanding of geriatric mental health issues.
For those interested in learning more, families can reach out to the Lake Haven Behavioral Health at 731-644-8420 for consultations and support. The conversation remains vital, as it encourages families to take proactive steps in addressing mental health issues, reinforcing the idea that their loved ones deserve compassionate, specialized care—not only for the sake of the individual but for the entire family unit as well.
