Galesburg Cottage Hospital's Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit provides comprehensive mental health services in a hospital setting with crisis stabilization for older adults suffering from psychiatric disease. The 12 private rooms are located on the third floor of Cottage hospital in a secured (locked) unit for maximum safety.

Patients should be sent with three or four comfortable outfits, sleepwear and comfortable shoes. Personal items such as toiletries and cosmetics are inventoried and may be kept locked up. Patients should not be sent with money or other valuables. Visits from family and friends are encouraged. Since patients must participate in planned activities, the best times for visiting are around noon or during visiting hours in the early evening.

For Admission:
(1) Call the Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit at 309-345-4321.
(2) Have the following information available:

• Patient Name
• POA / Guardian Name & Phone #
• Patient Address
• Patient Phone Number
• Reason for referral
• Medical Insurance
• Primary Care Physician

(3) If available, fax copies of the following to 309-345-4479:

• Past 24 hours of nursing notes
• Most recent lab work
• Medication list
• POA / Guardianship papers

(4) Psychiatrist will be consulted. If the patient meets criteria for admission, he or she will be a direct admit or will be referred to ED for medical clearance.

Admission Criteria:

• Admission will be offered only after a licensed physician has determined that inpatient mental health treatment is required.
• The Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit accepts voluntary admissions of patients as well as emergency detention court orders.
• Patients must be at least 65 years old and have the ability to participate in their treatment.
• Patients must be insured by Medicare or Medicaid.
• Patients with private insurance may or may not be admitted, depending on coverage.

Warning Signs and Symptoms*

• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
• Social withdrawal
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Strong feelings of anger
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Denial of obvious problems
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance abuse

*From the National Mental Health Association