 Hours of Operation:
24 hours a day, seven days a week; Outpatient Client—Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment
Tests Provided:
Behavioral Health
Medical Director:
Cyril L. Gamis, MD
Providers:
Cyril L. Gamis, MD
Sandra Stom, CRNP
 Location in Hospital:
3rd Floor of the Patient Tower
Manager and Phone:
Melanie Morris BSN, RN, (814) 849-1845; Geropsychiatric, (814) 849-1850; Scheduling, (814) 849-1870; after hours, (814) 849-1850
The Brookville Hospital Senior Transitions Unit is a ten-bed inpatient unit specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders experienced by older adults. As we age, we often undergo significant changes in our lives that may contribute to a decline in our overall physical and emotional well being. We may experience declining health, loss of a loved one, loss of independence, social isolation, or difficulties stemming from problems with dementia.
Geropsychiatric Unit Services
- Psychotherapy provided by psychiatrist as needed
- Inpatient Geropsychiatric Treatment (individuals 55 and older)
- Psychiatric assessment
- Stabilization of psychiatric disorders
- Recreation therapy (cognitive and sensory stimulation, art therapy, reminiscence, cooking therapy, leisure education and positive leisure experiences )
- Music therapy
- Group, individual and family counseling
- Socialization
- 24-hour supervision in a comfortable, therapeutic, safe and secure setting
- Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy as needed
- Dietary consults as needed
Problems Treated
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts/actions
- Excessive fears or anxiety
- Compulsive disorders
- Hallucinations/delusional thoughts
- Dangerous or acting out behaviors (i.e. hitting, kicking, wandering)
Caring for the Community
Often it is difficult for older individuals to access mental health services. They often encounter physical and emotional limitations, transportation difficulties, minimal social support systems, and stigma regarding behavioral health treatment.
To further assist our senior population in obtaining treatment, the Senior Transitions Unit provides on-site mental health assessments to determine if there is a need for inpatient psychiatric treatment. Through this assessment process, patients and families are educated on the mental health problem, the admission process and what to expect while in treatment.
The Senior Transitions Unit offers educational programs on a variety of topics regarding mental health and aging issues. Some of these topics include:
- Dementia
- Dealing with difficult behaviors
- Stress management
- Bi-Polar Disorder
- Advance directives
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- The Mental Health Act
Physicians
Dr. Cyril Gamis is the medical director of the Senior Transitions Unit. Dr. Gamis and Sandra Stom, CRNP, specialize in the treatment of medical causes of psychiatric illnesses, mental health issues associated with medical illness, and the treatment of behavioral health issues experienced by older adults.
A team of specialists and general care physicians monitor the medical concerns of the patients while they are in treatment at the unit.
Staff
The staff at the Senior Transitions Unit consists of a group of caring individuals who share a common goal to assist each patient in functioning at the highest level possible—emotionally and physically.
Facility
The Brookville Hospital Senior Transitions Unit is located on the third floor of the hospital.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (814) 849-1844 or (814) 849-1850.
Referrals can be made by:
- The individual
- Family member or friend
- Agencies
- Facilities (i.e. Personal Care, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing)
- Hospitals
- Clergy
- Physicians
Insurance
The Senior Transitions Unit accepts a variety of insurance including Medicare. In some cases, admission may be dependent upon the insurance provider’s pre-certification for the admission.
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