From Surviving to Thriving: How Levindale's Partial Hospitalization Program is Helping Older Adults in our Community

This is a guest blog from Bracha Poliakoff, LCSW-C, admissions liaison of the Partial Hospitalization Program Levindale.


Some time ago, an elderly female patient who had been discharged from an inpatient psychiatric hospital entered our Partial Hospitalization Day Program at Levindale, still severely depressed following the death of her spouse of many years.

Upon her arrival, the patient rated her mood a two on a scale of 1 to 10. She participated in our group therapy sessions, but sat with her head down. For weeks, she continued to rate her mood a 1 or 2 and barely interacted with the other group participants. A staff member eventually had a heart-to-heart chat with the patient, telling her that her withdrawal was completely understandable and that even just listening to the experiences being shared by others in the group and taking in the atmosphere could still be beneficial to her healing process.

Gradually, the patient became more attentive and sociable and began making positive changes. By the time she was discharged, her mood was improved and she was feeling more hopeful about her future. She got involved in a number of activities in her independent living building and started making new friends. She also came back to Levindale as a volunteer, her way of giving back to the community that had been so helpful to her.

This is one of many examples of how Levindale's Partial Hospitalization Program changes lives and restores hope. On average, 90 to 95% of individuals who participate in our mental health-based day program report improvement in their symptoms upon completing the program.

Covered by most health insurance plans, the Partial Hospitalization Program is a therapeutic day program for individuals who are 60 or older and experiencing a mental health challenge. Some individuals have chronic mental health challenges, while others are dealing with a new diagnosis due to a recent loss, change in health or other stressors. We provide transportation and kosher lunch in an effort to help reduce barriers for seniors with limited access to these resources. Individuals can enter the program after being discharged from an inpatient hospitalization or directly from their community. Participants in the program receive medication management, intensive group therapy and case management from an interdisciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, nurse, neuropsychologist and social worker.

Levindale's Partial Hospitalization Program is truly a gem in our community and does an excellent job caring bravely and providing support and healing to those who need it most.

Call 410-601-WELL or visit lifebridgehealth.org to learn more about LifeBridge Health services.