Senior Inpatient Program in Nashville

The caring staff members at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital follow a clear mission, vision and set of values that guide everything they do, including the care they deliver in our senior inpatient program. Key elements of our team’s treatment philosophy and overall mission include: 

• Providing services that promote health and well-being for our communities  
• Responding to individual needs throughout the life cycle 
• Delivering high-quality care for those who need it most 
• Offering holistic care that nourishes the mind, body and spirit 

Because our inpatient program for seniors provides many different approaches to healing, a senior adult in our program is likely to work with diverse professionals during their time with us. The multidisciplinary care team you may work with in our inpatient psychiatric program for seniors can include: 

• Psychiatrists 
• Internal medicine physicians 
• Registered nurses 
• Advanced practice registered nurses 
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners 
• Doctors 
• Therapists 
• Social workers 
• Physical therapists 
• Dietitians 
• Behavioral health associates 

Additionally, we offer experiential therapies in our senior program. If you participate in these interventions as part of your care plan, you may work with our recreational therapists or take part in programming with an art therapist or music therapist. 

In our Nashville senior inpatient program, we understand the importance of providing focused, age-appropriate care for each person who heals with us. Additionally, our care teams specialize in delivering support for those who are struggling with concerns that frequently impact the senior population, including behavioral disturbances, mood disturbances and adjustment concerns.  

Seeking inpatient care for yourself or a loved one can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, the benefits of getting timely support for a mental health concern can be immense. By receiving appropriate care as early as possible, you can improve your chances of experiencing long-term healing. 

At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, we aim to make the admissions process as comprehensive and efficient as possible. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who seeks our services can receive a thorough assessment of their needs and a recommendation for care so that they can get on the road to better health. Prospective patients, family members and referral sources can connect with our admissions team anytime, 24/7, to begin the assessment process. Assessments may take place in person or via teleassessment.  

Our assessment process involves a detailed evaluation that is designed to help us understand the individual’s needs and determine how we can best serve them through our programming. When someone begins receiving care in our senior inpatient program, our intake assessment also helps inform the details of their individualized care plan and discharge plan. 

Once clinical and medical criteria are reviewed and the patient is deemed appropriate for admission, our team coordinates placement in our senior adult inpatient program. This includes medical clearance when necessary. 

In addition to offering assessments, our admissions team is available to answer any question you have and provide more details about our programming. We want to help determine whether our hospital is right for you and empower you to make the best decisions for your future. 

Our inpatient behavioral health program for seniors offers evidence-based therapies and personalized services to promote lasting healing for each older adult.  

In our senior inpatient program, someone’s individualized care plan can include the following therapies and services: 

• Basic medical care: Seniors in our program can meet with medical staff upon admission and then as needed throughout their stay. Depending on a person’s needs, our medical interventions can include oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), fall precautions, dietitian consultations and care for preexisting medical conditions.  
• Medication management services: Senior patients may meet with a psychiatrist daily to receive support for any medications they are taking as part of their care plan. Additionally, patients may receive medication management support from our nursing staff members, who assist in administering and monitoring the effects of medications.  
• Physical therapy: Patients in our senior inpatient program can receive physical therapy services that support mobility, fall prevention and overall wellness. 
• Detox: On-site medical detox services are available for those who are struggling with co-occurring substance use concerns.  
• Individual therapy: Patients can receive individual therapy from psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and social workers on an as-needed basis. 
• Group therapy: Our senior program features three to four group therapy sessions per day. Typical groups include process, psychoeducational and activity groups. Our group sessions explore a range of focused topics, such as coping skills, life challenges, grief and bereavement, socialization, memory and concentration, physical exercise, nutrition, relaxation, self-esteem, healthy boundaries and positive communication. We also encourage skills development, hold reminiscence groups and help patients practice self-advocacy. 
• Experiential therapies: We offer experiential therapies twice a day in our senior inpatient program. Experiential therapy offerings can include art, music and recreational therapies with our expert staff. 
• Family therapy: Patients and their families can take part in family therapy sessions when needed. Our team is also available to provide support for family members throughout their loved one’s time in our care. 

We’re pleased to offer senior patients a range of therapies that can allow for different paths to well-being. Our programming combines evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing, with expressive therapies. This approach offers seniors the chance to benefit from traditional therapies while also engaging in creative approaches to healing. 

Participating in inpatient care can help seniors address the challenges they’ve been facing and receive emotional support. Inpatient programming also offers a structured environment and round-the-clock care, which may be hugely beneficial in helping someone regain their health. 

Every senior adult who takes part in our program has an individualized experience. However, in general, our inpatient programming can offer the following benefits:  

• Opportunities to develop healthy coping skills and self-esteem 
• Access to peer support during group sessions 
• Education about mental illnesses and self-care strategies 
• Support and guidance from qualified professionals  

Additionally, our aftercare planning services are an important part of our senior inpatient program and can offer vital benefits. Aftercare planning at our hospital is a collaborative process that involves the input of the multidisciplinary care team, which can include the patient’s physician, social workers and nursing staff. Additionally, we involve the patient themselves and, if appropriate, their support person in planning for a smooth and successful discharge.  

Depending on your needs, your discharge plan in our senior inpatient program may include referrals for structured services, like an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program, or an appointment with a therapist or medication management provider. Regardless of your individual next steps, our goal is to help you progress on your healing journey. We also follow up with patients within 72 hours of discharge to help ensure their smooth transition out of inpatient care.  

Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a welcoming environment and a range of patient amenities. Our inpatient facility features semiprivate rooms for patients and outdoor recreation areas. We also have an off-unit cafe serving three meals a day.  

Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital aims to be the premier mental healthcare provider for residents of Nashville and surrounding counties. Located close to Nashville’s downtown area, our hospital offers convenience and comfort for those we serve. We are close to Interstate 65 and not far from Germantown, and our location is within driving distance of Nashville International Airport.  

All our services, including our specialized program for seniors, are guided by our commitment to transforming healthcare for our communities. We embrace values of service, trust, excellence and innovation, and we strive to treat each person with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

If you would like to learn more about senior inpatient psychiatric care at our hospital, we invite you to contact us today.