Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is Life Transitions?
2. What kind of symptoms are you looking for?
3. What are the indicators for inpatient care?
4. Can you describe an example of someone who might benefit from your services?
5. What are some problems that you can address?
6. What services does Life Transitions offer?
7. Please describe the admissions process.
8. Once hospitalized what can we expect?
What is Life Transitions?
Life Transitions is a short stay behavioral health program for older adults who suffer from psychiatric, emotional and behavioral disorders. Life Transitions offers intensive and comprehensive mental health care in an inpatient setting for adults 55 years and older. Life Transitions is designed for persons with symptoms and or behaviors that are interfering with social, emotional, physical and relational/familial functioning: persons who have not benefited greatly through other treatment options, or for persons who are experiencing an emotional decline and mental changes. The short-stay inpatient program allows for around the clock oversight and treatment of behavioral disturbances affecting an individual’s functioning.
What kind of symptoms are you looking for?
Individuals who are experiencing a lack of energy or motivation; avoiding family and friends; constantly worrying; difficulty sleeping; poor appetite, weight loss; confused thinking; feelings of sadness or loneliness; loss of interest in daily activities; agitation; low self-esteem or changes in temperament.
What are the indicators for inpatient care?
Suicidal or homicidal thinking; hallucinations or delusions; destructive or aggressive behavior; need for adjustment of psychotropic medications requiring skilled observation or medical conditions affected by psychiatric symptoms.
Can you describe an example of someone who might benefit from your services?
Physical decline and multiple losses are just a few of the concerns that contribute to depression and other mental health issues for the elderly. Early stages of dementia and recent stroke victims are some of the individuals we have admitted recently but we are not limited to those diagnoses. We will take an individualized approach and develop a treatment plan specific to the needs of the patient, family and referent in our efforts to provide the most comprehensive, state of the art care for your loved one.
What are some problems that you can address?
The obvious and most common occurrence is depression and other mood disorders followed by anxiety, adjustment disorders and any major psychiatric disorders. Our team of staff is here to help patients cope and understand their diagnosis as well as to assist in developing coping strategies so they can return to their previous level of functioning.
What services does Life Transitions offer?
Physician management of care; overall healthcare; skilled nursing; assessment and discharge planning; group and individual therapy; treatment planning; recreational activities; coping and living skills; grief and loss resolution; education; medication management; health and wellness training; daily living skills; nutritional information and stress management.
How does a patient pay for services?
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the cost of the services provided. Please keep in mind that co-payments, deductibles, and policy limitations do apply.
Please describe the admissions process.
A referral for care can come from a health professional or from a family member. Life Transitions can provide a clinical assessment at no cost to determine the need for treatment. Admission to the program will be offered only to those patients a physician has determined require inpatient care and who will be able to actively participate in treatment.
Once hospitalized what can we expect?
With all care at Toppenish Community Hospital, we believe teamwork is the best work. We work with the patient and their family or caregiver under the guidance of a multi-disciplinary team. Nurses, social workers, professional counselors, mental health staff, and your physician all help to provide you with individualized care that stresses dignity and the goal of returning you or your loved one to their previous level of functioning and to live life to the fullest.