Columbus Community Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit Provides Expert Care Close to Home

Columbus Community Hospital’s senior behavioral health unit is proud to offer expert care close to home.

The unit opened in September 2021 and helps older adults whose behavioral and emotional issues need extra attention. It provides inpatient comprehensive, coordinated and individualized care and support for patients aged 65 and older.

“We want to offer something meaningful that will make a difference,” said Dorothy Bybee, vice
president of patient care services. “I hope the senior behavioral health unit meets the medical needs of a vulnerable, elderly population.”

The unit’s care philosophy centers around its team, which has specialized training in geriatric mental health. The treatment team includes doctors, nurses and various other disciplines who work together to care for patients. Treatment emphasizes providing tools, resources and coping skills to promote healing and healthy functioning on an ongoing basis.

“We believe in recovery and resilience,” said Ed Thornbrugh, senior behavioral health program director. “We want people to thrive in the least restrictive setting possible, and sometimes they need our brief support to help do that.”

Physicians, other health care professionals, families and patients can make referrals for admission.

Anyone age 65 or older experiencing difficulty with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, loss of coping ability, cognitive changes or severe changes in behavior patterns may benefit from the services.

For more information, call 402-562-4655 or visit columbushosp.org.