Looking for next step in care

tbrescia0115

hi. 2 weeks ago we had to admit my dad to a hospital (he showed aggressive behavior towards my mom and recommended by the dr). A few days later he had a uti but a few days after showed aggressive behavior towards staff and they had to call security. They started him on meds there but now looking to move him to a nursing home facility but noone is accepting him bc of his behavior. Any recommendations for a place that would accept him? We are in NJ. Thanks

sandwichone123

They need to find an appropriate placement. Do not consent to take him home. Continue to state that going home is not a safe plan and another plan is needed.

H1235

I agree whatever happens don’t let them convince you to take him home! Is there a geriatric psychiatric hospital you can suggest he be transferred to? Even if it’s a ways away they are the ones that can get him set up on the right medication. If a nursing home knows he has been prescribed the proper medication by a specialist they may be more willing to take him. Good luck.

tbrescia0115

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/230348#Comment_230348

the problem is the one geriatric psych ward we found does not have any availability at this time. They are suggesting maybe a regular psych ward. What are your thoughts on that?

housefinch

If you’re in NJ, are either Philadelphia or NYC geriatric psychiatric wards options? Maybe not ideal locations, but if he’s that severe, he might need that expertise. I would lobby hard for geriatric psychiatric ward only.

H1235

It’s hard to say if they would even allow visitors and even if they did it would probably be very limited. My point is that distance might not be an issue you need to worry about. My situation was a bit different, but we were told the only available bed may be 3 hours away. We got lucky and it was only a 2 hour drive. Mental health care in this country is a mess! I hope you can find something.

easy23

Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ has a geriatric psych ward. I have no idea of if there are beds available.

tbrescia0115

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/230394#Comment_230394

thank you!

easy23

I asked ChatGPT for a list of geripsych units in NJ. Here are the results:

"In New Jersey, several hospitals offer geriatric psychiatric care for older adults who may be dealing with mental health issues such as dementia, depression, anxiety, or other conditions. Some of the facilities include specialized geriatric psychiatry units or programs. Here are a few hospitals in New Jersey known for their geriatric psychiatric services:

1. Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth, NJ)
   Trinitas offers a Geriatric Psychiatry Unit that provides inpatient psychiatric services tailored to elderly patients.
2. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, NJ)
   The hospital offers a specialized geriatric psychiatry program to address mental health issues in older adults.
3. Overlook Medical Center (Summit, NJ)
   Part of Atlantic Health System, Overlook has a Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit that provides inpatient care for elderly patients experiencing mental health crises.
4. The Center for Geriatric Psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack, NJ)
   Hackensack offers a geriatric psychiatry unit that specializes in treating older patients with various psychiatric disorders.
5. St. Joseph’s Health (Paterson, NJ)
   St. Joseph's offers a Geriatric Psychiatry Program that includes inpatient services designed for older adults.
6. Princeton Medical Center (Princeton, NJ)
   Princeton Medical Center provides mental health care for seniors through its Geriatric Behavioral Health services.
7. Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center (West Orange, NJ)
   This center offers specialized services for geriatric psychiatric care, including inpatient treatment.
8. Cherry Hill Behavioral Health (Cherry Hill, NJ)
   Offers behavioral health services including geriatric psychiatric care.

These are just some of the hospitals in New Jersey that offer geriatric psychiatric care. It’s important to contact the hospital directly or visit their website for more detailed information about their specific programs, services, and eligibility criteria"

Victoriaredux

The hospital should have a social worker to help with this issue . NOTE: not help you or your mother to resolve it but to help make a safe discharge to the right place for their patient - a geriatric ward - then he should be able to be placed in a MC when his meds have stabilized him .

Palmetto Peg

My husband went to Temple University Hospital in Chestnut Hill, PA to their psychiatric unit. He did very well there, and the new meds he was put on greatly calmed his aggression. He was able to be admitted to the Memory Care unit in our CCRC - and before the hospitalization they were not willing to take him. He is taking Abilify and Zoloft in addition to his other regular medications. Prior to hospitalization he was on Seroquel and Risperidone, and those seemed to increase his agitation and aggression. Good luck!

eaglemom

You have gotten some wonderful information here. I just want to reinforce / echo the message: do not concert to take him home. It is a safety issue for everyone involved.

This is difficult, finding someplace is difficult also. He might have to be several hours away for a while then moved closer, that might be an option you are given. Keep an open mind.

eagle