Open Department “D” – Psychogeriatic department
Department D is an active department within the hospital, where patients over the age of 60 with psychiatric diagnoses are admitted. The department is divided into a men’s wing and a women’s wing. It is a new and spacious department with a homely atmosphere, tailored to the unique needs of the patients.
Each patient’s room typically accommodates between two to three beds, with attached bathrooms and personal wardrobes for each patient. Patients can bring personal belongings as needed. The department includes a sensory room, a leisure room equipped with a television and stereo system available for patients’ use, a spacious dining room, and two inner courtyards.
The highly professional team in the department consists of physicians, nurses, social workers, a psychologist, and occupational therapists. Upon admission to the department, a personal caregiver is assigned to accompany the patient throughout their hospitalization. A treatment plan is established based on the individual needs of each patient.
Integration into the department requires collaboration, participation in department activities, as well as individual and group therapy as part of the treatment process.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Survivors
The Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust survivors is located within the campus adjacent to the Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center in the heart of the Sharon region. The campus provides care to the elderly who are classified as “sponsored residents” and suffer from various mental and physical health problems. Many of them experience cognitive decline, often accompanied by dependency on those around them or on the institution.
The accommodations in the center prioritize the residents’ sense of privacy within a secure environment. While the entrance to the center is secured, the residents have access to the communal areas of the hostel. The departments are not locked, and the hostel staff encourages family visits and the participation of volunteers in various activities. Engaging with families is crucial, and the center promotes the residents’ exposure to the outside world through special activities, performances, and volunteer visits.
The center is divided into three units: “Erez” (a special unit), “Brosh” (holocaust survivors), and “Gefen” (mental health survivors).
The residents’ daily routine includes various activities and, depending on their capabilities, even classes and different activities:
- Pet therapy – group and individual therapy sessions in all three units.
- Therapeutic gardening – a form of therapy that promotes personal development and physical and psychological rehabilitation through contact with plants and their care.
- Computer class to practice computer skills, enhance motor skills, self-confidence, self-image, and connecting with relatives through internet correspondence.
- Music therapy – residents have access to headphones, listen to music according to their preferences, and participate in musical events and rhythm music.
The center regularly hosts volunteer activities, bringing residents a variety of experiences, such as musical performances, group and individual classes in areas like cognitive games, art, guidance, and support.
Children’s kindergartens, adopted by the center, are mainly visited by residents during holidays, offering additional interaction.
Additionally, the center occasionally arranges outings, such as visits to restaurants, safaris, herb farms, historical sites, the Knesset, and the President’s Residence.
The Psychogeriatric Clinic
The Psychogeriatric Clinic at Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center provides treatment to elderly ambulatory patients aged 60 and above who suffer from various diagnoses. The clinic also offers post-discharge follow-up care for psychogeriatric patients.
New Service: Memory Clinic!
The Memory Clinic operates as part of the psychogeriatric system at the Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center specializing in identifying, diagnosing, and treating cognitive decline processes.
Clinic Team:
Dr. Moran Rot Klachuk – A specialized psychiatrist and senior psychiatrist who manages the clinic.
Dr. Mila Fishman – A specialized psychiatrist and senior psychiatrist.
Dr. Adi Schwartz – A specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics.
What is Cognitive Decline?
Cognitive decline refers to a disorder resulting from impairment in cognitive brain function, which includes mental processes (perception, thinking, memory, executive function, attention, and concentration) related to knowledge acquisition, information processing, and organization.
Who is the Clinic for?
Elderly individuals over the age of 60 who experience cognitive decline (memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating and remembering). Patients who suffer from cognitive decline with symptoms of anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and sleep disturbances. Individuals with a significantly increased risk of developing cognitive decline who wish to undergo periodic evaluation.
What to Bring to the Clinic Appointment:
The patient should arrive with a close caregiver who is familiar with the patient’s condition. A list of current medications or a bag with the medications. Lab tests: complete blood count, chemistry panel, liver function tests, vitamin B12, folic acid. Brain imaging – please bring the interpretation (a disc is not required). Patients who do not speak Hebrew should come with an interpreter who is fluent in Hebrew.
What Does the Diagnostic Process Include?
The evaluation is conducted by a geriatric/psychogeriatric physician and includes various cognitive ability tests. The evaluation typically lasts for about an hour. The patient should arrive at the clinic with a close family member or friend (relative or close friend) to provide additional information. If additional tests are necessary, the patient may be referred for blood tests and brain imaging. If there are existing lab results and brain imaging, please bring them to the clinic appointment.