WEST HARTFORD – Hebrew Senior Care marked a major on Tuesday, June 2, by opening the doors to its newly expanded behavioral health hospital, which specializes in the care and treatment of older adults who are experiencing mental health issues. Citing a serious gap in behavioral health services for seniors across the State of Connecticut,  most health care providers report a need for age-specific support by specially trained providers. The opening of new unit is the culmination of more than a year of planning, construction, and fundraising.

“Connecticut’s geriatric population continues grow, while there is a critical shortage of psychiatric services that meet their specific needs. By expanding our capacity, we are now the largest behavioral health hospital in Connecticut dedicated to the care of seniors,” said Denise Peterson, RN, FACHE, president and CEO of Hebrew Senior Care.  “Since we draw patients from throughout the state, we are confident this will help reduce the critical shortage of geropsych beds and enable us to serve more seniors needing the right level of care in a safe and high-quality environment.”

“We are so grateful to the incredible generosity of the Greater Hartford community that has united around Hebrew Senior Care and this important project.  The Jewish Community Foundation provided a $100,000 capital challenge grant, which significantly bolstered our fundraising effort. Our agency was also blessed by strong volunteer fundraising led by Henry Zachs,” said Debbie Kleinman, chairwoman of Hebrew Senior Care Board. 

The newly designed, spacious unit includes double and private rooms, dining and activity space, patient lounge, and family conference room, as well as state-of-the-art safety features, ensuring that each patient receives quality care in a secure and com-passionate environment. 

Hebrew Senior Care’s Behavioral Health Hospital offers a holistic treatment approach, combining psychiatric care and primary care provided by an interdisciplinary team of nurses, social workers and occupational therapists; each with a specialty focus in the care and treatment of older adults.  For more information, contact Pat Dickens, admission coordinator, at (860) 523-3961.

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