Bridges: Geriatric Psychiatric Program

Senior Woman Bridges is Nashville Rehabilitation Hospital's psychiatric treatment program for older adults. It is a 12-bed inpatient program that provides diagnostic and treatment services for patients who are facing cognitive and emotional challenges due to the aging process. The program focuses on understanding changes that some patients experience in their emotional and behavioral health.

Treatment Plan

Following admission to Bridges, the patient is immediately evaluated. A nursing assessment, medical evaluation, and mental health evaluation are all completed prior to initiating a particular treatment program.

Soon after admission, family members will be contacted by our social work department to arrange a family appointment. Our staff will also contact the family to help in setting treatment goals for your loved one.

Bridges Program Personal or family history is important in helping the treatment team understand the patient's situation or behaviors. Our average length of stay is 12 days but is flexible based on individual needs. Our case management team will be in communication with the patient's family to facilitate appropriate timing and location of discharge.

Conditions Treated

  • Severe depression
  • Sudden onset or worsening of confusion, disorientation or memory loss
  • Noncompliance with prescribed psychiatric health regimen (such as not taking medicine)
  • Sudden onset of hallucinations, delusions or paranoia
  • Potential danger to self or others
  • Problems in coping with stressful situations
  • Sudden change in ability to attend to normal daily activities
  • Modification of psychotropic drugs

Supporting the Whole Family

The philosophy of Bridges depends on the involvement of family in the patient's recovery. We use group and individual consultation to educate the family on their loved one's treatment and recovery.

We recognize that long-term success of every patient relies not only on treatment received at Bridges but also the quality of continuing care after discharge. We will work with the individual and family to determine the most appropriate plan to meet the individual's needs.

Insurance Coverage

Patients who qualify for Bridges will find that all treatment services are covered by both Medicare and most major health insurance programs.