Allegiance Health Management provides an inpatient treatment program
for the psychiatric care of senior adults with serious mental disorders
who require treatment not provided in an adult psychiatric care
setting. The goal of our program is to fully meet the needs of the
senior psychiatric patient whose treatment needs are distinctly
different from younger, more physically fit and functionally independent
adults. Seniors in acute psychiatric crisis urgently require a safe
environment, a structured and supportive social milieu, and intensive
therapeutic intervention. The program combines these elements into
a unique and effective treatment program. Every aspect of unit life
is intended to assist patients in making a rapid and complete recovery.
The physical design provides a safe and sensorially stimulating
environment for all patients and space for therapeutic and recreational
activities. The treatment program implemented encourages patient
involvement and responsibility through participation in an ongoing
therapeutic community. Daily involvement in the program develops
a sense of mutual interdependence involvement in the treatment of
all patients. Through this coordinated effort, the program provides
the supportive structure and therapeutic expertise needed to help
geriatric patients overcome their current crisis and to develop
more fully satisfying lives.