The senior psychiatric program at Wellstone Regional Hospital provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for seniors who need intensive treatment.

The program addresses the special medical, psychiatric and emotional needs of older adults who need extensive assessment and management of their illness. Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness and its relationship to possible medical problems is a primary focus.

Our program addresses the special physical and psychological needs of older adults who require extensive evaluation of their illness. The primary focus is accurate diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health issues while understanding its holistic relationship with the rest of the body. Individualized treatment plans are developed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, case managers, recreational specialists and other professionals.

Our treatment includes:

• Thorough assessment and diagnosis
• Medication management
• Medical supervision
• Specialized education for patient, family and caregivers
• Recreational therapy and wellness activities
• Facilitation of placement at discharge
• 24-hour nursing care provided by RN
• Individual, group and family therapies

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for seniors is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. IOP is less restrictive than traditional inpatient, but still retains a structured therapeutic environment. IOP is used either as a step down in the treatment program or as a less intensive initial treatment to prevent a full inpatient stay.

This specialty program treats individuals who are coping with some of the following symptoms/conditions:

• Severe depression and/or suicidal feelings
• Severe agitation, outbursts or extreme impulsivity
• Inability to function in a lower level of care such as a nursing home or assisted living facility
• Severe confusion or disorientation not related to an acute medical condition
• Psychotic symptoms such as paranoia or hallucinations
• Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia requiring behavioral stabilization

Referrals are accepted from nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, physicians, healthcare providers, family members and caregivers. Our evaluation department provides free confidential assessments and referrals.

We cannot offer diagnosis, counseling or recommendations online, but an Assessment and Referral specialist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call for a free assessment at 812-284-8000. If you are currently experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.