Highlands Medical Center

Highlands Senior Care, formerly known as Generations, announces a name change today, celebrating 20 years of service and a new day for Highlands Medical Center. A 24/7 specialized behavioral health unit for patients, ages 65 and over, located at Highlands Medical Center (HMC) in Sparta, TN.  Serving the community since 1992, the staff care provides care for geriatric patients with depression and other emotional illnesses.

“Generations has been part of the hospital for 20 years and is known for providing excellent care for seniors in need,” explains Bill Little, Chief Executive Officer of HMC. “With our hospitals’ recent name change to Highlands Medical Center and our new partnership with Saint Thomas Health, the new name, -Highlands Senior Care-, better reflects what this service is about. We’re excited about all of the improvements and the renovation project beginning later this year will include this unit.”

“While depression is a fairly common challenge for seniors, it is not a normal part of the aging process, and it prevents people from enjoying life as they should. It can impact energy, sleep, appetite and physical health. But there is help. Our caring and compassionate staff provides a comprehensive program that focuses not just on the medical needs of the patient, but also on their emotional, social and spiritual well-being,” says Gearline Copeland, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.

The Highlands Senior Care (HSC) treatment team includes: Program Director, April Hibdon, LBSW; Judy Reed, Community Education Manager; Rachel Peterson, LCSW, Director of Social Services; Karen Norrod, Nurse Manager; and Dr. Viswa Durvasula, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist, specializing in Geriatrics.  If a loved one is experiencing signs or symptoms of an emotional illness, the HSC team can provide a free, confidential consultation to help determine the appropriate level of care. Call (931)738-4114 or   1-800-553-7133 to set up a consultation.  Symptoms may include:

• Sleep or eating disturbances
• Frequent crying episodes
• Excessive and uncontrolled anger
• Disregard for personal appearance
• Sad or blank expressions
• Voices, thoughts of suicide
• Increased forgetfulness or confusion
• Social isolation
• Severe agitation or mood swings.

Upon admission a thorough physical and mental evaluation is completed to determine the appropriate intervention and treatment plan. The treatment team develops an individualized aftercare plan with input from patient and family.

Depression and other emotional illnesses are a significant problem for older adults, and national statistics show that one out of four adults suffers from serious emotional difficulties related to aging.  For additional information, call Highlands Senior Care at Highlands Medical Center at 931-738-4114 or visit www.HighlandsMedicalCenter.net

About Highlands Medical Center

Highlands Medical Center, a 60-bed hospital in Sparta, TN, is part of the Saint Thomas Health Network and the Capella Healthcare family of hospitals along with: River Park Hospital (McMinnville), DeKalb Community Hospital (Smithville), and Stones River Hospital (Woodbury).  Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, Highlands Medical Center provides a full range of medical services, including 24-hour Emergency Care, Intensive Care, Medical/Surgical Care, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, GYN, and a Geriatric Psych Unit, called Highlands Senior Care.  Diagnostic Imaging services include X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine. Rehabilitation services include Physical and Occupational Therapy as well as Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab.

Capella Healthcare, which partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for high quality patient care and excellent service is based in Franklin, Tennessee. With the philosophy that all healthcare is local, Capella collaborates with each hospital’s medical staff, board and community leadership to take care to the next level.