Sheltered from others, yes, but inside this unit there’s community and compassion

The locked doors of Westerly Hospital’s Geriatric Psychiatry unit ensure privacy and safety for patients, yet the secure nature of the unit also conceals the kindness, humor and compassion that is part of everyday life for patients and staff.

“We’re just such a close-knit group,” said Ashley Izzi, milieu counselor. “We’re very professional, yet we treat our patients – and they’re mostly from Westerly – like family. It’s really a warm feeling we get, caring for people from our community.”

Opened in 2019 as the region’s first facility dedicated to caring for older adults with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions, the unit was also one of the first major investments in Westerly Hospital by Yale New Haven Health. The interior is spacious and bright, and the walls pop with photographs of Westerly scenes.

“The environment of the Geri Psych unit at Westerly creates a wonderful first impression,” said Meagan Dzienis, RN, nurse manager. “It communicates to our patients and their families without words that they will receive excellent care.”

Life on the unit, granted, is not always easy. Patients 55 and older are often admitted with dual diagnoses. For example, if a patient with dementia is becoming aggressive and the spouse or caregiver needs help, a stay on the unit might reset some of those disruptive behaviors through therapy and medication. If necessary, the staff is well trained in de-escalation techniques.

But on many days, nurses and counselors like Izzi work with patients in milieu therapy – a form of psychotherapy that involves interactive group activities that promote healing and positive behavioral changes.

“Milieu describes the care environment for pretty much everything outside of the patient’s bedroom – in the hallways, the lounge, the dining room – as well as how patients interact with each another,” Dzienis said.

From morning stretching routines to group conversations and meals, milieu therapy is particularly beneficial for the geriatric population, Dzienis said. “Sometimes patients will befriend each other, which can be therapeutic,” she said. “Some patients have experienced a lot of loss – the loss of their spouse, friends, their independence. They feel very alone. When they come here and see other people going through some of the same things, it can be a comfort.”

The goal is to get people back on track for success in the community. “Our staff goes above and beyond, spending time with each patient, building them up so they can return to their lives,” said Bob Malecki, RN, clinical coordinator. “We also have two very seasoned, experienced social workers who are amazing at setting up outpatient appointments, extra care, home services.”

A typical patient might spend 10 days on the unit, working through their personal crisis and preparing to return to their family or regular life.

“I’ve seen the time and compassion the staff invest in each patient,” Dzienis said. “Their goal, always, is to get each person ready to leave here feeling hopeful.”