Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Nursing Facilities: A Holistic Approach

Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Nursing Facilities: A Holistic Approach
Mental health treatment in nursing facility

The quest for a quick fix to mental health issues often leads to disappointment. As emotional well-being hinges on complex factors including genetics, environment, and social influences, families facing these challenges might consider turning to residential treatment facilities for help.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, residential treatment could be ‘the best option possible’ when other methods fall short. These facilities offer a holistic setting for recovery, essential for those experiencing a myriad of symptoms.

Families contemplating this decision should ensure that the chosen facility provides a holistic treatment approach, incorporating therapeutic interventions, lifestyle therapies, and collaborative care from interdisciplinary teams.

Therapeutic and Behavioral Interventions

Many skilled nursing facilities with behavioral health programs provide the following interventions:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Substance abuse recovery meetings
  • Training on behavioral modification techniques
  • Regular psychotropic medication reviews

Scott Dagenais, the director of TheraGen rehabilitation at Generations Healthcare, mentioned, ‘When administered carefully and with individual needs in mind, therapy and medications are a solid foundation’ for a holistic treatment strategy. The emphasis here is on addressing the whole person, where integration of therapy, medication, social support, and wellness-focused care leads to enduring well-being.

Lifestyle and Expressive Therapies

While therapeutic interventions are critical, lifestyle components such as diet, physical activity, and creative expression greatly affect mental health. It’s crucial that skilled nursing facilities take all these elements into account.

Research highlights the impact of nutrition on mood, indicating that certain foods can enhance happiness and reduce stress. A balanced diet composed of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains can help regulate mood. Some facilities even offer nutritionist-designed meal plans focusing on mental well-being.

Regular physical activity also contributes significantly to emotional health. A literature review notes improvements in symptoms for mental health conditions through continued physical activity.

Creative therapies like art therapy have demonstrated their ability to alleviate mental health symptoms. A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that art therapy can aid patients in expressing emotions and diagnosing conditions through unique insights.

Interdisciplinary Care Teams

Interdisciplinary care teams are vital in ensuring comprehensive and coordinated patient care. A study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that this model improves medical care quality and enhances communication among therapeutic team members.

As healthcare providers collaborate, they can offer a more tailored and effective treatment experience. For families, knowing their loved ones are supported by a dedicated team focused on their mental, emotional, and physical health can significantly ease the treatment process.

While immediate solutions for behavioral health challenges are rare, a well-rounded, holistic approach can lead to substantial recovery. When selecting a residential treatment facility, families should prioritize ones that emphasize integrated care to foster comprehensive healing.

Isabella Markert is a content writer for Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Lehi.

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