The
Heritage
Program for Senior
Adults
Office hours 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday
Phone: (785)458-7272
The
Heritage
Program for Senior
Adults
Office hours 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday
Phone: (785)458-7272
The Heritage Program for Senior Adults at Wamego City Hospital is dedicated to offering mental health education to persons in the communities we serve.
click here for a list of presentations available to your group
The program offers psychiatric intervention to improve the quality of life for elder adults and their families. Patients receive intensive treatment Monday through Friday. They are treated in the least restrictive environment possible, returning home each afternoon. Treatment is supervised by a psychiatrist and provided by a fully licensed staff of registered nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, certified therapists, and medical health technicians.
The elderly and their caregivers have unique problems and needs. Physical decline, loss of independence, safety concerns, and multiple losses can contribute to depression and other mental health issues for the elderly that decrease their ability to cope with the natural aging process.
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Agitation and/or combative behavior
- Confused thoughts
- Crying
- Suicidal thoughts
- Change in eating patterns
- Depression
- Disorientation and/or failing memory
- Irritability/verbal abuse
- Isolation paranoia, hallucinations, delusions
- Unresolved grief issues
- Sleep disturbances
- The person with symptoms and/or behaviors that interfere with social, vocational, or educational functioning.
- The person who has not progressed or benefited sufficiently with less intensive outpatient treatment.
- The person whose mental health is declining and might require inpatient care unless this treatment is provided.
- Group/family/individual therapy
- Coping/positive living skills
- Grief and loss resolution
- Education:
- Medication management
- Health and wellness training
- Daily living skills
- Nutritional information
- Reminiscence and validation therapy
- Stress management
- Assertiveness training
- Exercise
- Lunch and snacks
Physicians, health care professionals, human service agencies, clergy and/or concerned family members or friends can make referrals to the program. A no-cost clinical evaluation determines the need for treatment.
A psychiatrist will work in collaboration with the primary care physician to determine the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment prior to admission to the program. Caregivers, families, and primary care physicians are encouraged to participate in the treatment process by assisting with identification of problems and solutions.
Transportation to and from the program, at no cost to the patient, can be arranged. Vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the cost of Heritage Program services.