GERIATRICS
Download Brochure (pdf) |
Jim Ellison, MD, MPH, Clinical Director
Ann Rapoport, APRN, BC, Nurse Director
For more than 20 years, the McLean Geriatric Program has provided comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for elderly men and women who have emotional, cognitive or behavioral symptoms. Whether the problem is memory loss, mood disturbance, anxiety or difficulty coping with losses and transitions, or behavioral disturbances that interfere with care at home or in a long-term setting, the Geriatric Program will work with a patient and his or her support system to relieve symptoms and maximize quality of life.
Physical illnesses, medications and the psychological and social stresses of growing older all can complicate diagnosis and treatment of late-life psychiatric difficulties. The program's multidisciplinary approach draws upon a full range of techniques, including psychiatric assessment, neuropsychological and psychological evaluations, internal medicine and neurological consultations, psychosocial assessment and laboratory testing, including state-of-the-art brain imaging. Based on comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans can include individual and group psychotherapy, rehabilitation services, pharmacotherapy and/or electroconvulsive therapy.
Admissions Info (pdf) |
Inpatient Care
The service is divided into two units: the Older Adult Unit is a short-stay program designed to meet the psychiatric and medical needs of adults age 50 and older who require hospitalization for acute changes in mood, anxiety or behavior, or for those who have psychosis. The Geriatric Neuropsychiatry Unit provides short-term comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, especially those experiencing depression or anxiety, or those manifesting behavioral disturbances, such as agitation. Both units provide neuropsychological, neurological and medical consultations and psychological, as well as, psychopharmacologic care. The goal of care is careful diagnostic assessment and treatment interventions that optimize patients' function, autonomy and quality of life.
The Geriatric Psychiatry Program |
Partial Hospitalization
The Geriatric Partial Hospital Program, also known as SAGE (Seniors Aging Gracefully Everyday), specializes in treating cognitively intact patients who need intensive support on an outpatient basis while living independently or with substantial autonomy. Group and individual psychotherapy are provided. Pharmacotherapy consultation and monitoring are offered and consultations from neuropsychology and neurology are available as needed.
Outpatient Services
The Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic provides full evaluation and treatment to older adults with behavioral and cognitive disorders. The outpatient setting is appropriate for individuals who do not require acute hospitalization. Diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are available to help patients cope with problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or difficulty coping with losses and transitions.
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The Memory Disorders Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment and referral services for older adults with memory disorders or other cognitive impairments. In two- to three half-day sessions, patients receive thorough psychiatric, neuropsychological, psychosocial and neurological evaluations. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations are discussed with the patient, care providers and family members as appropriate.
Staff
All psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, internists, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses on the Geriatric Program's multidisciplinary teams are specifically trained to diagnose and treat older patients. Staff members have chosen geriatrics as their specialty and pride themselves on providing efficient and caring treatment.
Information and Referrals
For further information, please call 800.333.0338. Medicare covers most treatment costs. Other insurance, including Massachusetts Medicaid, is accepted. Supplemental insurance may cover remaining costs. Hospital staff can assist patients and their families in determining coverage.
About McLean Hospital
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks McLean Hospital the nation's top psychiatric hospital. McLean is the largest psychiatric clinical care, teaching and research facility of Harvard Medical School, an affiliate of the Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of Partners HealthCare.