Inpatient Senior Care

WHY St. Joseph Hospital

At St. Joseph Hospital, we’re committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to people of all ages. Senior health is extremely important to us, which is why we are Nashua’s and the surrounding region’s preferred choice when an older adult needs an inpatient behavioral health program to meet their needs.

Seniors can experience many, life altering changes in very little time. These changes include the loss of loved ones, declining physical health or loss of independence. Events like these can trigger depression, anxiety and severe psychiatric symptoms that may require specialized treatment.

The Senior Behavioral Health Program at St Joseph Hospital is a short-term inpatient treatment program for adults 65 and older who are experiencing severe behavioral or emotional symptoms. Our 24-bed unit provides a safe and secure environment for seniors to receive their care.

Our program is designed to stabilize seniors through individualized care in a safe and supportive environment. An individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient upon admission. Prior to discharge, our team will explore and recommend community-based services and resources to meet the patient’s unique needs.

Elements of our program include:

  • Comprehensive Evaluation
  • Diagnosis and Symptom Stabilization
  • Daily Psychiatric Assessment
  • Medical Management of Secondary Medical Conditions
  • 24-Hour Nursing Care
  • Family Education and Support
  • Individual and Group Settings
  • Exercise and Art Therapies
  • Discharge Planning and Coordination of Follow Up Care

Some life changes can trigger behavioral health symptoms for seniors. Common examples include:

  • Physical Disability
  • Long-term Illness
  • Physical Illnesses Affecting Thought, Memory and Emotion
  • Change of Environment
  • Illness or Loss of a Loved One
  • Alcohol or Substance Abuse
  • Sad or Depressed Mood Lasting Longer Than Two Weeks
  • Dementia-related Behavior
  • Malnutrition
  • Medication Interactions and Side Effects
  • Social Withdrawal
  • Loss of Interest
  • Onset Of Confusion, Disorientation or Problems with Concentration or Decision-Making
  • Change in Appetite or Weight
  • Memory Loss
  • Depression
  • Agitation, Aggression or Attempts to Harm Others
  • Hallucinations and/or Delusional Thoughts
  • Refusing to Take Prescribed Medications

Meet Our Medical Director, Dr. Raymond Suarez

Dr. Raymond Suarez joined St. Joseph Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit in 2021, bringing a diverse amount of expertise to best serve the Greater Nashua community. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. He went on to attend the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City before completing his residency in Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center.

During his residency, he published a textbook with the American Psychiatric Association titled, “The Handbook of Medicine in Psychiatry”. He was also elected by administration during his residency to serve as Chief President.

When Dr. Raymond Suarez is not caring for his patients, he actively participates in the medical education of students from the University of New England and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Spaulding Youth Center.

Meet Our Team

Our specially trained psychiatric physicians, nurses and therapists are here to give seniors the quality care they need in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Susan M. Smiga, MD

St. Joseph Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit

Raymond Suarez, MD, Director of Senior Behavioral Health Unit

St. Joseph Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit

603-882-3000