The Jefferson Geriatric Psychiatry Program is an innovative 26-bed acute inpatient treatment unit housed on the eighth floor of Wills Eye Hospital. The program is dedicated exclusively to caring for age-related psychiatric and neurological conditions such as memory loss, dementia, depression, anxiety, and delusions. It is the only unit in the Delaware Valley area with a separate section for patients in advanced stages of dementia.

In addition to board-certified geriatric psychiatrists who are on the faculty of Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, the program’s medical staff consists of primary care physicians specializing in geriatrics, consulting neurologists, a neuropsychologist, psychiatric and gerontological clinical nurse specialists, and registered nurses experienced in psychiatric and/or gerontological nursing. Other staff include master’s level clinical social workers, art and occupational therapists, a consulting physical therapist and bachelor-degreed mental health associates.

Treatment, headed by the patient’s geriatric psychiatrist, is organized around an intensive multidisciplinary approach. Treatment teams meet weekly to discuss and coordinate patient progress. Patients participate in a wide range of therapies, including group, occupational and art therapy, throughout the day. Because of the importance of family involvement, counseling and caregiver education are an integral part of the program. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a safe, humane, and effective method for treating depression, is available as a treatment option.

Specializing in patient-centered treatment, we help patients and their families find the answers to improve emotional and physical health, and in so doing, optimize independence.

“FINDING THE ANSWERS”, a seven-minute video describing our inpatient program, is available at no charge. To request the video and/or a brochure call: 215-928-3084.