Geriatric Behavioral Health Center
Westview Hospital's Geriatric Behavioral Health Center is a mental health program providing inpatient diagnostic
and treatment services for adults 65 and older. The program provides an individualized treatment program for
each patient in collaboration with the patient’s family and physician.
Program components include:
- Family therapy
- Individual and group counseling
- Medication management
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Recreation therapy
- Therapeutic programming
Patient Assessment:
The initial assessment is free and is conducted by a Geriatric Behavioral Health Center professional. The confidential assessment may include pre-admission telephone screening and/or personal evaluation.
Warning signs that may indicate the need for treatment include:
- Decreased memory
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Hallucinations
- Increasing social withdrawal
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Sleep and appetite disturbances
- Suicidal thoughts
Family Support:
The patient's family is considered an important part of the treatment team and is encouraged to participate in family conferences, discharge planning and family therapy sessions when needed. This is an effort to ensure that the patient's progress and accomplishments are maintained by the new living skills learned in the program. Opportunities include:
- Weekly patient and family conference with our geriatric psychiatric physician
- Weekly Family Support Group meeting
Professional Staff:
A multidisciplinary medical team provides cohesive, high-quality care to each patient. Specially trained to deal with the unique needs of older adults, the Senior Care support team includes:
- Clinical social workers
- Dieticians
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Pharmacists
- Psychiatrists, psychologists and primary care physicians
- Registered nurses
- Therapeutic recreation specialists
Insurance Coverage:
Hospital treatment service for patients who qualify for admission are covered by Medicare and most major health companies.
Patient Referral:
Physicians, mental health professionals, or family members may make 24/7 referrals to the Center by contacting us directly at (317) 920-7540. The patient, if clinically appropriate after evaluation, will be admitted by our psychiatrist for inpatient treatment.
For more information:
William Arnold, M.D.
Medical Director
(317) 920-7540
Dr. William Arnold is an adult and geriatric psychiatrist who has served as the medical director of the Geriatric Behavioral Health Center at Westview Hospital since 1998. Dr. Arnold is a native Hoosier, having grown up in Logansport, IN. He is a graduate of Butler University and Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed a United States Air Force affiliated psychiatry residency program at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.
Following residency, Dr. Arnold completed his military commitment on faculty at Wright Patterson Air Force base and with Wright State University. While there, Dr. Arnold became board certified in General Psychiatry and in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Arnold returned to Indianapolis in 1994, joining Indianapolis Psychiatric Associates and the faculty of the department of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine where he directed the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry service at University Hospital.
In 2001, Dr. Arnold left Indiana Psychiatric Associates to concentrate his practice solely on the geriatric population. He co-founded Indiana Geriatric Associates which now manages 3 other inpatient geriatric psychiatry programs in addition to the Westview Behavioral Health Center. Additionally, the group provides consultation to over 50 assisted living and extended care facilities in Central Indiana.
Dr. Arnold is passionate about the care of Alzheimer’s patients and their families having lost his parents to this disease. He and his wife, Julie, have three boys who he enjoys coaching in various sports. He and his wife have also been involved in founding and supporting Carmel and Indianapolis area Young Life Programs.
Judi Scharnak, R.N.
Manager
(317) 920-7543
judi.scharnak@westviewhospital.org
Meloney Dunning, L.M.S.W.
Social Services
(317) 920-7544
For patient information/referral/consultation:
Phone: (317) 920-7540 - Phones are answered 24 hours a day.
Fax: (317) 920-7187
Visiting Hours:
Monday through Friday from Noon to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location:
3630 North Guion Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
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