Dementia Treatment Center for Older Adults in Missouri

Learn More About Treatment for Dementia at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by a wide variety of disorders that affect the brain, rather than a single diagnosis. Individuals who struggle with dementia may not be able to think clearly enough to perform normal activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, or dressing. They may lose the ability to problem solve or control their emotions and their personalities may change. Some people become extremely agitated and experience hallucinations and delusions. While memory loss is a very common symptom of dementia, loss of memory does not mean that you have dementia. Individuals who have dementia experience problems in two or more areas of functioning, such as language and memory.

Dementia has generally been considered to be a normal part of aging, and although it is more common in the elderly, it is now understood that dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Many different disease processes can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (often brought about by a stroke). Medications may be able to help slow the progression of the disease, but most forms of dementia are not curable – especially if the cause involves brain damage. However, some conditions that cause dementia are reversible, which is why prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital.

At Lakeland’s behavioral health clinic in Missouri, we understand that the decision to seek inpatient treatment for dementia can be a very trying time for you and your loved ones. An inpatient setting may seem like a frightening notion, which is why we want to assure you that our compassionate staff is fully trained and ready to help to restore your loved one to the highest level of functioning possible. At Lakeland, you’ve come home.

Why Consider Treatment for Dementia at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

Dementia can impact virtually all parts of your life. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you may feel helpless as you watch your loved one struggle. If you’re living with dementia, you may feel frustrated and alone, like the whole world has changed around you. You may have lost your ability to control your emotions and noticed that you’re agitated and frightened. You may not know where to turn or how to manage what’s going on.

At Lakeland’s behavioral health clinic, we’ve developed a program called HOPE that has been designed to treat individuals age 60 and older. We’ll provide you with the calm and welcoming environment you need to become stabilized and help you address the areas of your life that are in need of care. Our empathetic staff is available to you at all hours of the day and night to make sure that all of your needs are met. When you’re with us, you’re family.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System’s Philosophy and Benefits

We provide loving and compassionate care to individuals from all walks of life and serve as a beacon of light for our community. Lakeland Behavioral Health in Missouri proudly offers confidential and personalized treatment using a multidisciplinary approach that ensures that all of your needs are met. We’re a holistic treatment center, which means that the care you receive will meet all of your needs – mind, body, and soul. The goal of our HOPE program, available to individuals age 60 and older, is to relieve symptoms, return those who come to us for help to their best level of health, and maximize the quality of their life. Our treatment team will develop a plan of care based upon your unique set of needs and work alongside you to help you return to your life as a happy, fulfilled individual.

Types of Treatment for Dementia Offered at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

When you come to us for dementia care, you’ll first undergo a series of medical and psychological evaluations. The results of your medical evaluation will help us to determine what type of dementia you are suffering from and begin medical treatment as needed. Our psychiatric evaluation will allow us to gain a better insight into your mental and emotional status. The results of our evaluations will allow us to create a plan of care for your stay with us that will help to address all of your needs.

Medication may be used to help manage the symptoms of your dementia and any underlying medical conditions. Our treatment team will frequently monitor the medications for efficacy and make changes as necessary. The decision to use medication will be based upon recommendations from your treatment team.

Individual therapy will be used to discuss the ways in which dementia has impacted your life and the lives of your loved ones. You’ll privately work with a therapist to explore new coping mechanisms and life skills as well. You’ll also work through your emotions surrounding a dementia diagnosis and discuss the ways you’d like your future to look.

Group therapy can be a very important part of your stay with us at Lakeland Behavioral Health clinic. Through groups, you’ll work on life skills and ways to manage your feelings related to your diagnosis. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with individuals who are struggling with similar diagnoses so that you can work together to grow, learn, and heal.

Family therapy is vital for individuals who have dementia. In family sessions, you’ll be able to share your feelings regarding your diagnosis with your loved ones. We’ll work with you and your loved ones to determine the best course of action for the future and allow your loved ones the opportunity to share their feelings regarding your diagnosis. We’ll provide your loved ones with connections to outpatient therapy and available community resources to allow for their continued healing and support.

In addition to traditional therapeutic practices, we also use a variety of experiential treatments to allow for healing of the whole person – mind, body, and soul. These include:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Relaxation
• Recreational programs

Continuing Care and Levels of Treatment for Dementia

As the time of discharge from Lakeland’s behavioral health center approaches, you and your loved ones will sit down with your treatment team to discuss continuing care options. If it’s decided that you still need the structure of an inpatient residential treatment setting, we will help locate one that is most appropriate for your continuing needs. If you are discharging to home or the care of a loved one, you may opt to join a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to allow for continued care. Whatever your continuing care needs are, we will work hard to locate a program that best suits them.