Everyone hopes that as family members age they will enjoy "the golden years" – unfortunately, as we grow older, the losses of loved ones along with the stresses from diminishing physical and mental abilities are a common experience. It's not unusual for lifestyle changes and increased physical challenges to lead to sadness and withdrawal. Persistent personality changes or unusual behaviors, however, may mean that your loved one is suffering from an emotional illness.
Signs & Symptoms
- Insomnia or too much sleep
- Dangerous behavior (to self or others)
- Crying spells
- Confusion or memory loss (severe enough to endanger self or others)
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Self-inflicted wounds
- Recent disregard for personal appearance
- Hallucinations, delusions, panic attacks, anxiety, agitation and/or depression (severe enough to cause someone to be frantic, unresponsive and unable to perform routine activities)
- Social isolation
- Suicidal thoughts
These symptoms are not normal at any age and should be considered an illness in the elderly. Most behavioral/emotional illnesses in older adults are treatable, especially if dealt with early.
You Are Not Alone
Half of all Americans will experience a behavioral health illness during their lifetime. Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant problem among the elderly. Nineteen million people will suffer from depression at one time in their lives. Of these, 80 percent to 90 percent can be treated effectively.
- National statistics show that one out of four older adults suffers from serious emotional problems due to age
- Depressed older adults have the highest risk of suicide
The caring and compassionate professionals of Galesburg Cottage Hospital's Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit is here to help you care for your aging parent or loved one. We can help you understand what is happening and determine the best course of care.
How We Can Help
Galesburg Cottage Hospital's Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit offers individualized care in a warm, supportive atmosphere for those 65 years or older. Our goal is to stabilize the patient while in the hospital and help each patient determine safe and suitable living options upon discharge. Our multi-disciplinary team led by psychiatrist Dr. Denise Dechow, conducts a thorough evaluation to help determine what is causing the changes in behavior. They check for underlying medical issues that may contribute to the patient’s condition. Based upon the findings, our team will work with the patient, family, and other healthcare providers, to develop a course of treatment that best meets the needs of the individual.
Treatment Services
- 24-hour monitoring and supervision
- Diagnostic assessment and evaluation
- One-on-one visits with a psychiatrist
- Stabilize and manage medications
- Group therapy
- Manage secondary medical needs
- Patient and family education
- Assist with discharge and aftercare planning
Admission Process
When admitting a loved one, please have the following information available:
- Patient name
- POA/guardian name and phone #
- Patient address/phone #
- Reason for referral
- Medical insurance
- Primary care physician
If available, please fax copies of the following to 309-345-4310:
- Past 24 hours of nursing notes
- Most recent lab work
- Medication list
- POA/Guardianship papers
Every patient will be seen by a psychiatrist who will evaluate their condition and determine if they meet the criteria for admission. They can also refer the patient to the Emergency Department for medical clearance.
When one person in the family suffers from a behavioral or emotional illness, everyone in the family is affected. The staff at Galesburg Cottage Hospital understands this and encourages family members to express their feelings and learn new ways to cope with their frustrations. Our staff can help re-establish healthy communication, leading to stronger family ties and happier lives.
For more information about Galesburg Cottage Hospital's Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit, call 309-345-4321.
Meet Dr. Denise Johnson-Dechow
Medical Director (Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit)
Dr, Dechow joined Galesburg Cottage Hospital in 2006 as the director of the hospital’s Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit.
- Board Certified: American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
- Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine & Health Sciences
- Residency: Lutheran General Hospital, IL
One-on-One with Dr. Dechow:
Conditions Treated by Dr. Johnson-Dechow include:
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Anxiety Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders
- Anxiety Phobic Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Dementia
- Depressive Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Intracranial Injury
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Peripheral Nerve Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
She also specializes in procedures, such as:
- Psychiatric Diagnosis or Evaluation
- Psychiatric Therapeutic Procedures