Doctor and senior woman going through medical record on digital tablet during home visit wearing face mask.

Senior Care Unit - Compassionate Mental Health Support for Seniors

Click here to view a brochure of the BCMC Senior Care Department

At Bradley County Medical Center, we recognize that mental and emotional well-being are just as vital as physical health—especially for seniors. Our Senior Care Unit is a specialized inpatient psychiatric program dedicated to helping adults 60 years and older who are experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges that require professional care in a safe, structured environment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns that haven’t improved with outpatient treatment, our compassionate team is here to help.

Why Choose the Senior Care Unit at Bradley County Medical Center?

✅Expert Senior Mental Health Care – Our specialized team provides individualized treatment tailored to the unique needs of older adults.
✅Safe, Supportive Environment – Our 8-bed unit ensures personalized attention and a calming atmosphere designed for healing.
✅Comprehensive Treatment Approach – We offer a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and structured activities to promote stability and recovery.
✅24/7 Confidential Assessments – Our team is available around the clock to answer questions and provide confidential evaluations.

Who We Help

Our inpatient program is designed for seniors experiencing severe mental health conditions that require short-term hospitalization, including:
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia (psychotic symptoms)
Manic episodes
Aggressive or destructive behaviors
Severe anxiety that has not improved with outpatient care
Depression with multiple symptoms, such as:
          • Persistent sadness or frequent crying
          • Loss of interest in daily activities
          • Significant changes in sleep or appetite
          • Difficulty concentrating
          • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Dementia patients with severe behavioral disturbances that pose a danger to themselves or others

Exclusion Criteria – Who is Not Eligible for Admission?

While we strive to help as many seniors as possible, our program is not designed for:
❌ Patients whose medical needs outweigh their psychiatric needs
❌ Those unable to physically participate in therapy
❌ Individuals seeking respite or custodial care
❌ Dementia patients with confusion but no behavioral disturbances
❌ Patients requiring substance abuse detox or treatment
❌ Individuals with a primary diagnosis of a personality disorder
❌ Patients whose medical conditions require a higher level of care than our facility provides

How to Get Help

If you or a loved one is in need of inpatient mental health support, we are here for you. Our Senior Care team is available 24/7 to provide a confidential, no-cost assessment and discuss treatment options.

Call us at 870-226-4361 for a confidential consultation.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Mental health struggles can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Our Senior Care Unit provides compassionate, expert care in a safe and supportive setting—so you or your loved one can find hope, healing, and a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my loved one needs inpatient psychiatric care?
If your loved one is exhibiting severe mental health symptoms that are affecting their safety or daily life, inpatient care may be the best option. Signs that inpatient care is needed include:
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, paranoia, delusions)
• Extreme aggression or destructive behavior
• Severe depression that hasn’t improved with outpatient treatment
• Anxiety that is causing significant distress or impairment
• Dementia-related behaviors that pose a risk to the individual or others

How long is the typical stay in the Senior Care Unit?
The length of stay varies depending on the individual’s needs but typically ranges from 7 to 14 days. Our team works closely with patients and families to develop a discharge plan that supports long-term stability.

Will my loved one receive therapy while in the program?
Yes! Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that includes:
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Medication management
• Structured activities to promote socialization and emotional well-being

Do you accept Medicare or other insurance?
Yes! We accept Medicare and most private insurance plans. Our team can assist with verifying coverage and financial options.