Things like mental health and substance use aren’t locked behind an age range. While statistically, the majority of people with a substance use disorder are young adults, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need to have options for older adults as well. Almsot 200,000 adults in Kentucky reported having a serious mental illness.
We understand that every patient is unique at SUN Behavioral Health in Kentucky, but even beyond that a young adult’s needs usually aren’t the same as that of an older adult. This is why we find it important to offer services specifically for certain age groups, in order to provide them with the best treatment options possible.
The geriatric program here at SUN Behavioral Health primarily comes from patients at nursing homes who need additional care. We offer stabilizing care from specialized, trained nurse practitioners to assist primarily in mental health crises.
Our staff works with these clients to help them with things like dementia and psychosis. Our program’s goal is to get them back to their living situation at the end of their stay. Your wellness is our top priority.
Here at SUN Behavioral Health in Kentucky, we want to ensure the happiness and well-being of all members of our community. This doesn’t stop as our community members get older. That’s why we’re proud to offer our geriatric services to better assist in fulfilling the needs of our community.
We accept all forms of intake, from nursing home referrals to being driven right up to our door. Our assessment process with our licensed counselors will help ensure they get on the path they need to reach the goals they have.
Just as there are doctors specifically trained to help children, elderly people need a different level of care too. Geriatrics is a specialization of medical care that’s geared toward this older age group.
As our bodies get older, things can change within us just as they do during puberty. From weaker bones to easy bruising, having a doctor who better understands your specific needs is always beneficial. This is where geriatric medicine is important.
Approximately 30% of people who are over the age of 65 will need a geriatric doctor, according to the American Geriatrics Society. While not every elderly person might need a geriatrician, there are many people who do benefit from them. Here are just a few of the conditions that geriatricians can help diagnose and treat:
Geriatricians are proven to be especially effective in those who are managing more than one health condition, whether it’s as simple as diabetes, or as complex as cancer. Even if you are a very healthy individual, geriatric doctors can help guide and support your way of living to ensure you remain that way.
A geriatric doctor wouldn’t replace your primary care doctor, but rather be an additional resource to help you with things your primary might not be able to do.
There are, unfortunately, many conditions that come simply with getting older. Some of these conditions include arthritis, heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and more. While a primary care physician might have basic knowledge when it comes to these conditions, a geriatric doctor will have more focused training and experience helping patients living with these.
In addition, the healing process from many ailments such as a broken bone or stroke looks different for an older person than it does for a younger one. Even breaking a bone can take much longer to heal and manage as you age.
Overall, patients aged 65 and up are considered to fall into the geriatric category. However, this can vary still depending on the level of care needed. Generally speaking, those who are in need of assisted living, regardless of age, might also benefit from geriatric care.
Geriatric doctors have specialized training for helping patients who are older. This can include conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart failure, and dementia.
Geriatric care can help with age-related health conditions, both mental and physical. The care you receive will depend on your specific needs.
If you have any questions about our geriatric assessment, our programs, or anything else, feel free to give us a call at any time. Our number is 859-429-5188. We look forward to helping you in whatever way we can.