Symphony Care Network forms geriatric mental health service

Symphony Care Network today announced an expansion of care providing mental health services for seniors through its Serenata Geropsychiatric Care program, which is designed to address behavioral concerns that develop a as result of symptoms of dementia or other neurological health issues in seniors.

Serenata is designed to accurately and timely detect a mental health condition over the course of a patient’s care, given seniors are at increased risk for mental health conditions as they age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer). Unfortunately, however, symptoms of depression are often overlooked and untreated when they coincide with other medical illnesses.

In cases of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the chief cause of behavioral symptoms, such as aggression and anxiety, is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. If undiagnosed, medication, environmental influences and some medical conditions also can cause symptoms or exacerbate them.

“Caring for someone with symptoms of dementia or other undiagnosed mental health conditions is incredibly challenging,” said David Hartman, CEO of Symphony Care Network. “Serenata is designed to provide patients with individualized care to help them function at their highest capabilities as well as to provide their loved ones with peace of mind that they are receiving wholesome care that recognizes wellness isn’t just about the physical but about the whole person’s being.”

Symphony developed a multidisciplinary team of specialized geri-psychiatrists, social workers, therapists and nurses to work with patients and their families to identify and treat any existing or emerging mental health concerns. Dru Lazzara, a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years’ experience counseling older adults and their families, will lead the new unit as Symphony’s new director of behavioral health. Lazzara will be focused on developing Symphony’s behavioral health programming across the network.

Serenata patients have access to on-site psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who provide neuropsychological cognitive assessments and screenings. The practice also features specially-trained staff in crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies, and the team is regularly trained on intervention methods for escalating behaviors.

Serenata also features hands-on medication management and provides patients daily structured programming with consistent routines as well as group and individual activities with qualified interdisciplinary clinicians.

For more information, visit www.symphonynetwork.com.