Although most of us expect to be healthy and independent in old age, chronic diseases begin to take their toll on resilience, morale, and daily function. Problems with mood and memory are common. By age 80, more than 20% of seniors will have significant problems with depression, dementia or both. Many others will struggle with anxiety, sleep disorders, and drug and alcohol dependence.
Northern Light Behavioral Health offers specialized care to address the needs of seniors through expert diagnostic assessment and treatment in coordination with primary health care and community services. Our goal is always to reduce suffering and improve independent functioning in those with conditions such as depression or dementia. To achieve this, we address the many mental, physical and social issues associated with advanced age that can affect comfort and function.
Our Geriatric Behavioral Care services consists of outpatient care in the Mood and Memory Clinic, hospital and nursing home consultation, research clinical trials, and education for families and health care providers. When necessary, we provide physical, speech, and occupational therapy and close coordination with primary care physicians and nurses.
Mood and Memory Care
Our mood and memory care services relies on nurses, nurse practitioners, a psychologist, and geriatric psychiatrists to provide a comprehensive initial evaluation and make as accurate a diagnosis as possible. Our staff also coordinates with the patient’s primary care physician and specialists to provide an effective and safe treatment. Our services are covered by Medicare, MaineCare, and most private insurance.
Hospital and Nursing Home Consultation
Northern Light Health provides consultation to regional hospitals and nursing homes through telemedicine linkages to help in the assessment and treatment of older adults with severe mood disorders or dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Clinical Trials
Through our clinical trials program, we offer our patients access to new experimental therapies in Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. These trials not only provide the very latest in therapeutic medications, but they also help the entire field of Alzheimer’s research as we search for a cure.
Educational Services for Geriatric Behavioral Care
Our speaker program will provide regional trainings for professionals and seminars on aging-related topics to the general public. We also host clinical rotations and electives for undergraduate and graduate students in medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, and pharmacy.
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