Highline Medical Center/Specialty Campus
12844 Military Rd. S
Tukwila, WA 98168
24-hour admission
(206) 248-4713
What is Geriatric Psychiatry?
Geriatric Psychiatry is the specialized field of psychiatry that treats older
adults. Older adults often have complex needs and difficult life changes
that can adversely affect their emotional well-being. The combination
of medical and psychiatric issues can make the diagnosis, care and
treatment of the older adult challenging. Geriatric Psychiatry Services at
Highline was created in 1989 to address these special needs. We were
the first specialized geriatric psychiatry program in Washington State.
Older adults experience many changes as they age, often
losing a spouse, family members and friends. Added to that is retirement
or illnesses that bring on major life changes that can easily overwhelm
a person. These things can trigger depression and anxiety or mood disorders
that are best treated by specially trained psychiatric physicians, nurses
and therapists.
Highline’s Geriatric Psychiatry Services offers a continuum
of care that includes individual appointments with the psychiatrist,
outpatient group therapy and inpatient hospitalization, all directed
by a Board Certified Geriatric Psychiatrist.
An experienced geropsychiatric nurse is available to consult
with family members about the mental, emotional and physical needs of
their loved one. To speak with our intake and referral nurse, please call
(206) 248-4713.
Range of Services
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient assessments and treatment
- 24-hour admission access
Components of Services
Meet Our
Medical Director - Dr. Patamia
Intake & Admissions
Initial screening is usually done through telephone contact. The admissions
coordinator (during regular business hours) or the charge nurse on the
unit (evenings and weekends) will gather information to determine if the
client being referred meets Medicare criteria for acute inpatient hospital
stay. If there is no recent medical workup, the client may be referred
to their local emergency room for medical clearance prior to admission.
Patients must be medically stable prior to admission.
Referrals or requests for evaluations can come from physicians, other
health care providers, clergy, legal authorities, self-help groups as
well as the patient, family and friends. There is always someone available
to consult with the caller as to resources and options, even if an inpatient
stay is not needed or appropriate. Admissions are available to our inpatient
unit 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information or to request
an evaluation, please call the admissions coordinator at (206) 248-4713.
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Inpatient Treatment
Our inpatient unit provides intensive medical-psychiatric treatment and
medication stabilization in a homelike setting. Our patients are typically
55 years and older with a primary psychiatric problem. Inpatient treatment
is often the best option for older adults suffering from severe anxiety,
depression, agitation, paranoia, fearfulness or hallucinations.
Upon admission, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment that includes
a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation. Psychologists who specialize
in testing the older adult (Geriatric Neuropsychologists) perform cognitive
evaluations on appropriate patients.
Inpatients are treated by both a geriatric psychiatrist and a medical
physician. The patient’s psychiatrist leads a professional, multi-disciplinary
team that includes medical doctors, social workers, nurses, occupational
therapists and psychologists. Physical therapy, nutritional consults,
speech therapy, audiology and other specialty services are available depending
upon the patient’s needs.
The inpatient program is customized for each individual’s particular
needs. The length of stay will vary according to many factors, but is
generally 12 to 16 days. Medicare and most private insurance plans cover
inpatient treatment when certain criteria is met.
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Outpatient Treatment
Most patients begin the outpatient program by attending group one or more
times per week (our groups meet from 9:30am – 11:30am). Eventually,
as patients may progress toward their own individualized treatment goals,
the schedule may be reduced to one or two groups per month. Many patients
conclude their treatment after 10-15 sessions; some stay longer. The program
is voluntary and decisions are collaborative between the patient and the
patient’s family or close support persons (if the patient wants
this), the physician, the group therapists, and the clinical coordinator.
In Outpatient Geriatric Psychiatry, the group therapist works with patients
who can be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners
for one another. In meetings, people are encouraged to talk with each
other in a spontaneous and honest fashion. The therapist provides productive
examination of the issues or concerns affecting the individuals and the
group while guiding the discussion.
Outpatient Clinic
Our outpatient clinic involves 1:1 evaluation and follow up treatment
with a psychiatrist specializing in geriatrics. Appointments to see our
psychiatrist can be made by calling (206) 248-4585.
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Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment
Patients are admitted for an acute psychiatric and/or behavioral issue;
patient is evaluated for appropriate interventions to address each patient’s
needs.
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Medical Evaluation and Treatment
A comprehensive medical evaluation is completed with each patient on
admission. Any acute medical issue is addressed and each patient is
followed by a medical doctor as well as a psychiatrist.
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Psychological Testing
When the psychiatrist feels psychological testing is indicated, he will
order neuro/psych testing by our consulting psychologist, who has worked
with us for a number of years and whose expertise is invaluable.
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Medication Management
Medications are reviewed for potential interactions; in some cases medication
regimes are simplified and in other cases they are modified. Each patient
is looked at individually.
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Group Psychotherapy
Outpatient therapy groups provide a support network for specific problems
or challenges. The psychotherapy group is different from support and
self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems,
but also provides for change and growth. Occasionally some of our patients
that are inpatient will attend our group therapy for psychotherapy
and group processing while they are staying on our unit.
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Patient and Family Education
Ongoing assessment is made with each patient and family. Education is
offered when requested or assessed as a need. Additional information
is available through our Planetree Library upon request.
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Continued Care Planning
Each person is evaluated as an individual and their needs and strengths
evaluated to determine the best individual careplan for their prompt
recovery.
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Functional Assessments
Our occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers together
with our nursing staff evaluate each patient’s strengths and areas
of need to offer suggestions and training to enhance their level of function
to the highest level possible.
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Nutritional Evaluation
Patients who have a nutritional need are monitored and appropriate diets
ordered by the medical physician. Education is provided to the patient
and/or family. The dietitian is available to consult and provide additional
interventions when indicated.
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Dementia, Memory and Cognitive
functioning Evaluations
Each patient has a “Mini Mental Status Exam” on admission.
This gives a general review of what the patient’s short term memory
impairment. When there are concerns identified about rapid changes or
conflicting assessments some patients are referred for additional psych
testing by our consulting psychologist. The psych testing enhances our
ability to solidify diagnosis and to identify the patients areas of need.
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Components of Services