For many men and women, the changes that come with aging can mean having to adapt to circumstances that are very emotionally and physically trying. The loss of a spouse or close friend, the inability to maintain the family home or do the daily things that once meant self-sufficiency are hard issues to cope with. Problems with memory, depression, anxiety and other behavioral and psychiatric disturbances can greatly impact older people and their loved ones – especially spouses, children and caregivers. Geriatric Services at the Institute of Psychiatry offers many ways of supporting older adults and their loved ones through these difficulties. Geriatric Outpatient Clinic Provides evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of older patients, as well as monitoring and medicine management for persons with dementia and behavioral disturbances. Consultation with the patient’s primary care or referring physician is also provided. Behavioral Intensive Care Unit The BICU is an inpatient, short-stay geriatric psychiatry unit for evaluation and treatment of the behavior problems associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. An interdisciplinary team of professionals combines a multisystemic assessment and related treatment with caregiver education to return the patient home with a revised plan of care and medication regimen that best meets the care needs of the patient. Nursing Home Consultation Nursing home consultation is available through MUSC by an experienced geriatric psychiatrist. Behavioral and environmental interventions, as well as staff education, are provided. Alzheimer’s Research and Clinical Programs Provide access to comprehensive inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, clinical drug trials, educational opportunities and research studies. For information on any of our programs call (843) 792-9888 To schedule a Geriatric outpatient appointment call (843) 792-5567 For admission to the Institute of Psychiatry call (843) 792-9888 or 1-800-922-5250 |