Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and most of us experience it from time to time. However, for older adults, anxiety can be more than just a passing feeling — it can significantly impact their quality of life.
At PsychoGeriatric Services (PGS), compassionate innovation is at the heart of the care we provide. One powerful example of this is Dr. James Arnold’s antibullying and anger management group. An initiative born from a deep understanding of the complex emotional landscapes in long-term care communities.
Effective communication is key to improving the lives of vulnerable older adults. Our latest blog explores best practices from the VIVE training, helping caregivers use empathy, clear communication, and structured interviews (MDS 3.0) to better understand seniors’ needs, preferences, mood, cognition, and pain. By centering the resident’s voice, we can deliver more personalized, compassionate care.
In this blog post, we explore how Mary Tiffin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at PGS, was inspired to create a Parkinson’s support group at her facility to foster a community that combats self-isolation.
Antipsychotic medications play a crucial role in managing severe psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain behavioral symptoms of dementia. However, their use in older adults, particularly in long-term care settings, requires careful consideration to balance benefits with potential risks.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its latest guidelines for long-term care (LTC) surveyors in November 2024. The guidance, currently scheduled to take effect March 24, 2025, reflects CMS’ priorities for protecting the health and safety of residents.
What is behavioral health?
Behavioral health refers to the array of professional services delivered to populations suffering from mental illnesses, substance use disorders, life stressors, crises, and maladaptive health behaviors.
Why should I add behavioral health services to my clinical offerings?
There is substantial evidence that providing improved access to quality behavioral health care can:
What services does PGS provide?
PGS provides a treatment team of clinicians for each facility that includes a Psychiatrist and Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Psychotherapist, as needed, who work together to provide the following:
Is PGS accepting new patients?
All patients that PGS providers care for are residents of long-term care facilities (Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Memory Care Units, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities). While actively accepting new patients, PGS providers only see residents of partner facilities.
Does PGS see patients in-person?
Yes, we always prefer to see patients in person, but we offer telehealth services based on facility needs in certain circumstances.
Does PGS charge the facility?
PGS is contracted with most insurance payers and will bill the member’s insurance carrier for behavioral health services.
PsychoGeriatric Services provides a reporting hotline to anonymously report any of the following:
• Ethical Violations
• HIPAA Violations
• Quality of Service
• Vandalism and Sabotage
• Improper Conduct
• Discrimination
• Conduct Violations
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse
• Threats
• Fraud
• Bribery and Kickbacks
• Conflict of Interest
• Misuse of Company Property
• Violation of CompanyPolicy
• Theft and Embezzlement
• Violation of the Law
• Falsification of Contracts, Reports, or Records
Regular business issues and matters not requiring anonymity should be directed to the employee’s supervisor or HR department.
Online: report.syntrio.com/pgs-nhcare
Call: 866-512-3977
email: reports@syntrio.com
(must include company name with report when emailing)
A service provided by Syntrio | Confidentiality Commitment Syntrio is an independent provider that assists your company to identify improper activity. We are committed to protecting the identity of all persons who use our secure reporting system. Reports are submitted by Syntrio to the company’s designee, and may or may not be investigated at the sole discretion of the company. *Although we will not disclose your identity without your express permission, it is possible that your identity may be discovered during an investigation of the matter reported because of information you have provided.
Address: 12073 Tech Road STE B
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Phone: (301) 593-1315
Fax: (301) 681-4699
