what accounts for variations in geriatric psych unit census?

Question

We are looking at different things that may affect the inpatient census on our geriatric psych unit (23 beds)
We have a goal of 80% occupancy which we have had, but August was down to 65% occupancy.

Answer 1

More people visiting elderly cause school was out, summer vacations, and longer sunlight days. More organizations for the senior citizens.

Answer 2

The children of the patient ,are taking the responsibility of caring for the elderly ,more now .Until the burden is so much,they cannot tend to it anymore.Many feel that they want their parents to be happy and spend their last days with them.But it is a fluctuating problem,when the needs are beyond their control.

Answer 3

From what a friend tells me, the census in any psych unit varies by month and holidays.

Answer 4

The world has become so crazy that it becomes increasingly difficult to tell the difference between normal crazies and crazy crazies. Bring in a few butlers and a good chef and your occupancy rate will go up.

Answer 5

Hell yeah...i'm thinking of telling human beings i'm a doctor now. Yahoo is my very very own very own psych unit. each and every time i've got faith like i prefer to sell off on somebody...I walk over to the R & S area & tell them they are all occurring to hell!

Answer 6

My guess: in the summer more elderly are visited by family and relatives who are on vacation. This would boost their mood and lead to less admissions.

Answer 7

new medications - baby boomers are more active and were the first generation to be aware of and accept psych treatment - people are living longer and desire to be at "home"