The Satilla Regional Senior Behavioral Center is designed to address the unique challenges of our aging community.Located on the 3rd floor of Satilla Regional Medical Center, this new 15-bed inpatient psychiatric unit is available for patients that are generally age 65 and older and need help with coping with life’s transitions, depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia or other behavioral changes related to aging. Patients are provided private and semi-private rooms and a therapeutic environment to gain a better understanding of themselves while promoting dignity, privacy and comfort. The primary goals of treatment during hospitalization are improving one’s independence, safety, and functional ability. The length of stay varies with hospitalization often lasting 10-15 days.
Signs & SymptomsMost people struggle with a mental health problem for a period of time before seeking professional help. Signs to look for include:
- Suicidal thoughts or feeling as if life isn’t worth living
- Sadness or lack of interest in normal activities for two weeks or more
- Frequent moodiness or irritability
- Suggestions from others that you should seek help
- Feelings of loneliness, isolation and withdrawal
- Feelings of helplessness and despair
- Feelings of grief and loss
- Agitation and behavior problems
- Tearfulness and crying spells
- Confusion and memory loss
Treatment TeamThe Senior Behavioral Center provides you with a team of professionals to help and guide you during this difficult time. We will work with you and your family to identify treatment goals such as changing problem behaviors and thought patterns, learning more effective coping skills, as well as how to manage the symptoms of your illness. Team members involved with your care may include:
- Medical Director
- Psychiatrist
- Consulting Physician
- Program Director
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Mental Health Technician
- Activity Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Dietician
- Physical Therapist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Consulting Psychologist
- Certified Nursing Assistants
AdmissionAdmissions to the Senior Behavioral Center are accepted 24 hours a day. Referrals may be made by anyone… physicians, social workers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members and friends. The decision regarding inpatient admission is made by a psychiatrist.
Services are covered by Medicare and many other insurance providers. Hospital staff can assist you in understanding what services your insurance company allows.
Inpatient ServicesOur inpatient services focus on emotional, mental, physical, and medical needs. All therapies are designed to help the patient return to full, productive lives and getting back home as quickly as possible. After admission, the first thing our team will do is a thorough physical and mental evaluation to determine what is causing the psychiatric problem. The team will check for any underlying medical issues that may contribute to behavioral changes, and will then work with the patient, family, and other healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan. Inpatient Services include:
- Individual meetings with a psychiatrist
- Individual and group therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Activity therapy
- Medication management and education
- Family sessions
- Educational services for patients and families
Social workers help plan and coordinate care following hospitalization.
For further information, referral service, or for 24-hour admission, please contact:
Jenny Jacobs, RN, M.ed
Intake/Outreach Coordinator
(912) 338-6338
[email protected]