Wednesday, October 03, 2018 marked the completion of the first phase of Senior Lifestyles expansion. The new 11-bed unit saw the first wave of patients being moved to the beautiful new space on the second floor Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Senior Lifestyle has been a 12 bed, Geriatric-Psychiatric unit for patients 55 and older. It services those patients that are experiencing behavioral disturbances, insomnia, crying spells, depression and thoughts of suicide, to name a few.

The need for additional beds was identified in 2017 and expansion plans got underway in early 2018.

“We saw a need for additional beds based on how many referrals we received for patients needing psychiatric services but not having available beds to accept them,” Program Director Cindy Dohogne commented. “We’re excited about having 11 more beds, for a total of 23, in order to accommodate the needs of the patients in our region.”

With the roll out of the first phase, the second phase will begin immediately. The original 12 bed unit will be closed for a period of 6-8 weeks to allow for remodeling and construction to be done.

Funding for this project came, in part, from grants totaling over $350,000. “It’s an exciting day when we see the finished project open and start serving our patients,” Foundation Director Amy Alcorn said. “A lot of time and effort went into securing those grants by former Foundation Director Marcie Lawson, and now our patients get to benefit from them.”

At Senior Lifestyles, patients receive individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere. A professional team begins with a thorough evaluation to help determine the cause of behavioral and mental changes. The team will work with the patient, family, and other health professionals to develop a course of treatment. Treatment includes individual meetings with psychiatrists; group therapy with seniors struggling with similar problems; and educational programs. The therapies are designed to help patients return home and resume their lives as quickly as possible. Discharge planners and Social Workers also help plan and coordinate care following hospitalization.