On-Site Behavioral Health Program in Nursing Facilities
As behavioral health services increasingly shift to telehealth and face ongoing mandates for Gradual Dose Reductions (GDRs), our healthcare organization remains committed to providing on-site behavioral health care at Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCs), Assisted Living Facilities, Memory Care Facilities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), and other settings where elderly patients need it most.
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Our Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) integrate into the facility’s care team, working closely with the Medical Director and other physicians. We are present in the facility daily and available 24/7 to respond to acute changes in patients' conditions, ensuring top-quality care. This hands-on approach, combined with our focus on patient and facility needs, results in improved patient outcomes and greater satisfaction among patients, families, and staff.
Key Services
Comprehensive Health Risk Assessment
Our PMHNPs conduct thorough evaluations to identify mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and dementia-related behaviors.
Crisis Intervention
Immediate response to acute behavioral health concerns, helping to de-escalate situations and provide the necessary care.
Cognitive and Functional Assessments
In long-term care settings, it’s important to assess cognitive and functional abilities to address any changes in the patient’s health status and adapt the care plan accordingly.
Medication Management
We provide ongoing medication management and adjustments, ensuring that treatments are tailored to each resident’s unique needs.
Collaborative Care
Our PMHNPs work closely with the facility’s care team, families, and primary care providers to ensure seamless integration of behavioral and medical care.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing mental health disorders, and developing individualized treatment plans.
Benefits of PMHNP in Long-Term Care
Improved Quality of Life
By addressing mental health concerns directly, PMHNPs can help alleviate symptoms that negatively impact residents’ quality of life, such as agitation, withdrawal, and mood disturbances. This can lead to improved emotional well-being and a more positive overall experience in the LTC facility.
​Integrated
Care
​PMHNPs work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians and therapists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This integrated approach ensures that mental health issues are managed alongside physical health conditions, leading to more holistic care.
Enhanced Mental Health Management
PMHNPs provide specialized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia-related behavioral issues. Their expertise helps in tailoring interventions and medication management to meet each resident’s unique needs.
Intervention and Stabilization
In the event of a behavioral or psychiatric crisis, PMHNPs are equipped to provide immediate intervention and stabilization. Their presence helps manage acute situations more effectively, reducing the need for emergency transfers and improving overall safety and stability within the LTC setting.