Drew Memorial Hospital’s Transitions/IOP (Intensive Outpatient - Behavioral Health) services will conduct a dementia information event on Friday, May 27. The public is encouraged to attend to learn how to better care for dementia patients.
The group conducts intensive outpatient mental health therapy Monday through Thursday with their transitions group and individual therapy sessions on Friday with Transitions patients. Most patients come two to four days a week for group therapy.
“We are dedicated to the belief that 'it is never too late to improve your quality of life.' Our program provides support, encouragement, friendship and counseling in a group setting. Our patients have a group motto 'We are a family of friends,'" Dr. Althea Conley said.
“Our Transitions Program is designed for the senior population, approximately 60 years or older. While dealing with change is difficult at any age, it can be especially challenging for older adults. Our program is set up to help manage the major life changes often faced by seniors. Improving their quality of life through the process of group sessions and individual sessions. Participants may be dealing with the death of a loved one, mobility or independence change, depression, anxiety, or adjusting to new living situations. You may be feeling: social withdrawal, poor concentration, loss of energy or interest in normal activities, sadness, isolation, irritability or agitation or feelings of worthlessness. Our group activities will allow you to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.”
This program offers easy access and extra services to make sure all types of patients are reached. Transportation is provided, physician assessments are conducted, family education and counseling is offered, nutritionally balanced meal and medication management, structured therapeutic activities, individualized treatment plans, psychiatric assessment, disease education and management, group and individual therapy are all part of the program.
On staff, is a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, mental health techs, two licensed therapists, and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP).
The open house for the transition unit and virtual dementia tour will be held on Friday, May 27 at the Allied Health Building. UAMS South Arkansas Center on Aging from Eldorado will be conducting the Dementia education events. The Virtual Dementia Tour/Embodied Labs is an evidence-based patented program designed to give families and caregivers the opportunity to experience what dementia is like through an individualized, experiential tour. The goal is to build empathy and understanding for those living with dementia.
Please call soon and reserve your spot at 870-460-4843 for the tour, space is limited. At Transitions’ Open House you will get the opportunity to tour the Transition Unit, meet staff, and gain education on services offered.
We are gathering information also to form a NEW Community Dementia Caregiver support group. We will have a sign-up sheet to gather information on people interested in the support group. The support group would be for family and professional caregivers needing support. More information to come.
If you have questions or would like to send a referral to our Transitions Unit or outpatient behavioral health appointments to see Dr. Althea Conley please Call 870-460-4840 and ask for Pam Leeper, director of IOP. No PCP referral is required.
