Rome Health expands access to inpatient psychiatric care

ROME — Rome Health’s Behavioral Health Unit now accepts patients age 45 and older who need inpatient hospitalization due to acute symptoms associated with a major mental health illness, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders or bipolar illness.

“We opened the Behavioral Health Unit more than 20 years ago for seniors 65 and older. We’ve lowered the minimum age to 45 to meet the growing need in our community,” said Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Edwards.

Inpatient hospitalization offers stabilization and treatment for adults in crisis, who are experiencing serious behavioral or mental changes. The 12-bed unit, Rome Health officials said, provides a private, warm, supportive atmosphere, where patients receive care that is individualized to their needs.

Signs of crisis

Persistent personality changes or unusual behavior may indicate that you or your loved one is suffering from clinical depression, anxiety or other mental health illness. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Thoughts of suicide;

• Sudden change in mental status or behavior;

• Loss of interest in regular activities;

• Poor appetite or overeating;

• Disregard for personal appearance;

• Agitation or aggression;

• Sad or blank look on face;

• Withdrawal and isolation;

• Delusions; and

• Hallucinations. Referrals to Rome Health’s Behavioral Health Unit are accepted 24 hours a day, and decisions regarding admissions are made by the unit’s medical director. To make a referral or for more information, call 315338-7399.