Davis Regional Medical Center Opens Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit

posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:40 pm

This year, the first of the baby boomers reached 65 years of age, and the number of elderly is expected to grow significantly. By 2030, people 65 and older will represent 19 percent of the population, according to the Administration on Aging.

As the population ages, the demand for mental health services is expected to increase, and Davis Regional Medical Center in Statesville, N.C., is working to meet the needs of older adults.

Recently, the hospital opened Traditions, an inpatient geriatric behavioral health program. The 12-bed unit offers individualized treatment for acute and chronic psychiatric presentations for patients who are 65 and older.

The program serves individuals who are suffering from a wide array of psychiatric disorders through a combination of individual and group therapy, medication management and aftercare planning. Medical Director Dr. Obi Ikwechegh and Program Director Alan Dodson lead a team of experienced registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, a licensed clinical social worker and an activities therapist.

“The Traditions unit is a natural expansion of our Delta Unit, which serves the adult behavioral health population of Iredell County and the surrounding areas,” said Alan. “We are working in collaboration with the community to ensure that the psychiatric needs of our geriatric residents are being met. We are excited to open this new program and continue our tradition of delivering exceptional behavioral health services.”