SilverCare Behavioral Health Unit
SilverCare is an 18-bed geriatric behavioral health unit that offers short-term (5-7 days), inpatient psychiatric program for patients age 55 and older. The most common disorders treated are Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and aggressive or challenging behaviors associated with Dementia that place the patient at risk. Treatment plans are individualized, and tailored to help patients return to their baseline as quickly as possible. We will work with the patient and his/her support system to coordinate care following hospitalization.
Admission
SilverCare is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Referrals may be made by physicians, counselors, psychologists, social workers, mental health agencies, family members, or friends. The decision to admit is made by a psychiatrist.
Normally patients require psychiatric hospitalization after other inpatient and outpatient treatment modalities have failed and/or patients have complicated medical conditions that cannot be managed in other psychiatric programs. Inpatient stays at SilverCare are acute, individualized, and tailored to help patients return to their baseline as quickly as possible. We will work with the patient and his/her support system to coordinate care following hospitalization. The most common disorders treated are Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Co-Morbid Disorders, Aggressive or challenging behaviors associated with Dementia.
Criteria
- People ages 55 and older
- Voluntary/ Involuntary Admissions
May Display the following:
- Depression or psychosis not responding to outpatient treatment
- Danger to self or others
- Acute or severe behavioral changes with psychiatric symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations
- Grossly psychotic behavior that threatens safety or welfare (psychosis defined as delusions, extreme agitation, disorganization or hallucinations or other bizarre behaviors)
- Dementia with aggressive behaviors such as hitting, kicking, spitting, agitation, etc.
- Medication Non-compliance, and changes to eating and sleeping pattern due to psychosis
- Medication Non-compliance resulting in symptoms listed above
Referrals
Patients may self-refer or referrals may be made by physicians, counselors, psychologists, social workers, mental health agencies, other health facilities or family members. All patients must be medically cleared prior to admission. The decision to admit is made by our psychiatric providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
While at the hospital, we work with patients to reestablish as much independence as possible. However, there are several items that patients will not be allowed to bring into treatment.
We have limited space to store items that are not allowed on the unit, and therefore we cannot be responsible for stolen or misplaced items. For this reason, we encourage parents, caretakers or support system to pick up these items soon after your loved one is admitted.
If you need directions on where to pick up these items, contact our admissions staff at 706-646-5725. A detailed list of what to bring and not to bring is outlined below.
These items would be helpful for you or your loved one to BRING with you upon admission or when visiting:
- Patient’s health insurance card or number
- Patient’s photo ID
- A list of the patient’s current providers and their numbers
- A list of the patient’s current medications, including over-the-counter medications
- 1 set of casual comfortable clothing including underwear and socks to discharge
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes, no shoestrings for discharge
- Hygiene products, but if needed, we will supply products to meet basic hygiene needs
- Books/reading material (paperback only)
- Personal journals (not wire-bound)
- Crosswords/Sudoku/word search
- Equipment including walker, hearing aids, glasses, dentures, or prosthetics.
- A dietary list if you are on a special diet.
The following items will be provided to patients:
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Comforters
- Towels
- Washer and dryer
- Writing materials
- Undergarments
- Scrubs
These items are not permitted for patient use. Please DO NOT BRING them for your loved one when you visit:
- Medications
- Illegal drugs/alcohol
- Tobacco of any kind
- Food items or drinks
- Lighters/matches/ flammable items
- Glue/Inhalants/ Hand Sanitizer
- Tank Tops
- Scarves, hats, and caps
- Skirts or shorts above knee length
- Drawstring clothing
- Computers
- Cameras
- iPod
- CD player
- Radio
- Cell phones
- Any Electronic Device
- Musical instruments
- Electrical Appliances
- Shoelaces
- Belts or Suspenders
- Sharp /Plastic/Metal items
- Mirrors/glass products
- Razors
- Cords
- Chemical hair removers
- Aerosol containers/products, including hairspray
- Alcohol-based products
- Bar soap
- Jewelry
- Money/wallet
- Other valuables
- Knitting needles/crochet hooks/yarn/hair ties greater than 6 inches/ ribbons
- Hair dryers/curling irons/or any other items with cords
- Metal combs, tweezers, files, or nail clippers
- All makeup
- Saline solutions
- Live Plants
What precautions are taken to ensure residents’ safety?
A safe environment for patients, staff and visitors is a major focus on the SilverCare unit. In order to keep everyone safe, the following procedures are in place:
Patients will receive round the clock care and supervision while they are admitted to SilverCare Behavioral Health Unit.
SilverCare is a secure unit therefore, the doors are locked at all times. Cameras are monitored by staff to prevent an unauthorized absence, oversee visitors entering and exiting, and to ensure the safety of patients and visitors.
All belongings will be searched to ensure that patients do not have access to contraband. (For example: jewelry, belts, shoelaces, perfume/cologne in glass containers, objects with sharp edges, razors, picture frames, spiral notebooks, hoodies, pants with drawstrings, blankets, )
All personal belongings will be locked away during your stay.
Room searches are conducted to ensure that the unit remains safe. All items that are deemed inappropriate will be stored until discharge and/or sent home with family. Any weapons, illicit drugs, or items used as lethal means will be turned in to Upson Regional Medical Center security.
In the event of a fire or severe weather, please follow instructions of staff.
