Services & Programs

SVNA's staff includes a registered nurse who specializes in psychiatric care. She is first and foremost a primary care nurse whose mission is to improve and maintain the overall health of the patient, physical as well as emotional. A thorough physical and behavioral assessment is the basis of an individual plan of care.

For an elderly patient suffering from anxiety or depression, SVNA's psychiatric nurse's services include counseling to help improve or regain coping skills, improve self-care, such as eating well and attending to personal hygiene, and reinstate healthy lifestyle patterns. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are often at the root of the troubles. This may be helped by arranging for a friendly visitor or a paid companion to be in the home on a regular basis or the hands-on help that a home health aide can provide for personal care as well as meal preparation and housekeeping to create a more therapeutic environment. Where appropriate, the psychiatric nurse will arrange for the patient to consult a psychiatrist to determine if a course of medication will alleviate the symptoms.

A significant percentage of SVNA patients being treated by our psychiatric nurse are younger people grappling with substance abuse. Key to the success of treatment is establishing the bond of trust that is particularly important in dealing with addiction and other mental health issues.

Our psychiatric nurse also visits patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease to help them and their caregivers cope with changing needs. This can include establishing daily routines, setting up a safe home environment, honing communication skills, or arranging for regular home nursing and personal care.

Call 860-435-0816 to find out more about psychiatric nursing care
or email us at info@salisburyvna.org for more information.