LifeBridge is a mental health unit providing inpatient diagnostic and treatment services for the geriatric population.  The treatment team provides support, structure and the therapy needed to help attain the highest possible quality  of life and well-being.
 

Patient Referral

Physicians, families, nursing homes and the community may make referrals to LifeBridge by contacting the unit directly at 260-726-1865. The initial assessment is free and conducted by a LifeBridge professional. The confidential assessment may include pre-admission telephone screening and/or a personal evaluation. The patient will be admitted for treatment or we will assist with recommendations for alternate care.

Admission Guidelines

Appropriate diagnoses may include depression, anxiety disorders as well as other psychiatric diagnoses. Potential patients may have any of the following symptoms:

• Alzheimer's/Dementia patients with behavioral disturbances
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Loss of will to live
• Sudden mood/personality changes
• Sadness/depression
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Aggressive behavior/agitation
• Hallucinations/delusions
• Need for regulated psychotropic medication stabilization
• Acute or worsening of psychiatric issues interferes with activities of daily living and/or care of medical conditions

Treatment Program

LifeBridge focuses on patients dealing with issues of depression, dementia, paranoia and other mental and emotional problems. The program provides an individualized treatment program for each patient. A variety of approaches are used including group, individual and family counseling, and support services as needed.

Family Involvement and Support

The family and/or the referral source are encouraged to be involved in assessment, treatment planning, continuing care, and discharge planning. With the patient's/legal representative's permission, the social worker or other members of the treatment team maintain communication with family members who have granted consent to information during the patient's hospitalization about treatment, progress and other issues concerning the patient.

Treatment team meetings are held shortly after admission and weekly involving the psychiatrist, social worker, nurse, program director, activity director, and outside agencies as appropriate. The patient or legal representative may attend as appropriate. The purpose of the meeting is to share information and to identify the prescribed course of treatment for the individual patient.