BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The North Baldwin Infirmary will host a reception Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the county’s first Senior Behavioral Health Program.

 The program is the only inpatient mental health program in the area dedicated to the treatment of senior adults. Seniors are typically hesitant to acknowledge mental health problems and receive treatment from a healthcare provider.

Yet early intervention and treatment can result in excellent outcomes for patients. The program helps seniors cope with mental health issues and live healthy lifestyles. The program offers acute care treatment for seniors age 55 and older 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The average length of a patient’s stay is 12 to 14 days.

“This program has been very well received by the medical community and residents of our county,” according to Ormand Thompson, North Baldwin Infirmary Administrator. “It is the only inpatient unit of its type that focuses on seniors 55 and above in our area. “It’s important that we recognize the warning signs that appear in older adults. Receiving the right diagnosis and treatment can make a tremendous difference.”

Some warning signs that might indicate the need for treatment are social withdrawal, change in eating or sleeping habits, loss of interest in personal appearance, increased forgetfulness or confusion, aggressive or combative behavior, refusing to take medications, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and paranoia. Upon admission to the program, each patient receives a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment.

The team identifies and treats the psychiatric illnesses and accompanying medical problems common to seniors. The Senior Behavioral Health Program is located within North Baldwin Infirmary with convenient access to other hospital services.

 Call the inquiry/intake line at 251-580-1770 for more information or to make a referral. A staff member will present the provided patient information to a psychiatrist who determines if the patient is appropriate for admission. A staff member will then inform you of the psychiatrist’s decision and further admission instructions or referral information.

 A representative from the program is available to speak at local civic groups to provide more information. Contact Katie Gibson, community education manager, at 251-580-1770 to request an in-service on mental health and wellness issues.