Many people are unaware that a secret exists in the senior community: This age group has the highest suicide rate of any in the country. More seniors are suffering from depression today than ever before. Two factors contributing to this growing trend are that the average life span continues to rise, and seniors are staying in the workforce later in life than in previous decades. That’s why Ponca City Medical Center’s (PCMC) Crossroads Behavioral Health Unit is here for you.

The Crossroads Behavioral Health Unit was created two years ago to address the mental health needs of the elderly population in Ponca City and the surrounding area. The department is led by Kevan Finley, M.S., L.P.C. The unit has experienced success treating mental illness, behavioral disorders and Alzheimer’s-related issues. Patients are admitted only after a physician has determined that inpatient mental health treatment is required. Additionally, Crossroads accepts only voluntary admissions of patients ages 55 and older, who have the ability to participate in treatment.

A 12-bed unit located inside the hospital, Crossroads is designed to treat seniors’ mental health needs but isn’t a nursing home. Most patients haven’t previously suffered from mental illness and are now experiencing symptoms that require specialized treatment. The facility provides comprehensive mental health services and crisis stabilization for older adults in a hospital setting. The average stay lasts between 10 and 15 days. A psychiatrist who’s trained in geriatric medicine admits patients, and patients’ primary care physicians routinely follow up. Patients are also seen by mental health therapists and specialized psychiatric nurses during their stay. Patients, typically admitted from home or a nursing facility, participate in daily activities and scheduling on the unit.

If anxiety or depression is taking over your life, the team at Crossroads may be able to help you get it back. If you believe you or someone you know is suffering from depression, you should know that help you can trust is available and close to home at PCMC’s Crossroads Behavioral Health Unit. Staffed by a caring team of dedicated professionals, Crossroads offers treatment for older adults who may be experiencing  ymptoms, including appetite problems, decreased energy, feelings of sadness or despair, thoughts of suicide or death, difficulty making decisions and sleeping problems.

kevan_finley@chs.net
Ponca City Medical Center
1900 North 14th
Ponca City, OK  74601
580-765-0557