Meeting the Needs

Of Older Adults

About Us

Hope Harbor is a 10-bed geriatric behavioral

health unit located at Buena Vista Regional
Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. For
over 20 years, Hope Harbor has specialized
in medical management of psychiatric
disorders for individuals over the age of 62.

Contact Us
Our goal is to improve self-esteem,
dignity, abilities and independence.
Make a referral or schedule a
Our treatment team includes: confidential, free screening!
• Psychiatric Medical Director
• Medical Director
• Program Director 712.213.8656
• 24-Hour Psychiatric Nursing Staff Geriatric
• Two Psychiatric Mental Health Behavioral
Nurse Practitioners bvrmc.org/hopeharbor
• Two Social Workers Health Unit
• Activity Therapist
Hope.Harbor@bvrmc.org

1525 West 5th Street

Storm Lake, IA 50588

Who would benefit
Those that struggle with:
• Depression or anxiety.
• Anger, aggressive behavior or notable
changes in mood.
• Sudden onset of forgetfulness and/or
an inability to concentrate.
• Inability to care for yourself.
• Seeing or hearing things that others
do not see or hear.
• Problems related to changing health
status, illness or disability.
• Personal safety.
Program Features
• 24-Hour Services.
• Medical and Psychiatric Evaluation.
• Medical Management of Psychiatric Disorders.
• Management of Medication and Education.
• Individualized Treatment Planning.
• Therapeutic Exercise.
• Stress Management.
• Activity Therapy Groups.
• Spiritual Counseling.
• Community Referrals for Support.
• Neuropsychological Testing.
• Consultation for Speech, Occupational and/or
Physical Therapy based on individual needs.
• After Care Follow Up.
Family Involvement
Support from family, friends and community
are important to the patient’s ongoing care.
These relationships help determine the
level of independence the patient will be
able to maintain when they go home.
Referral Process
Referrals can be made by a family member,
friend, psychiatrist, doctor, nursing home,
hospital or community agency. An older
adult may also make a self-referral.
bvrmc.org/hopeharbor
Healing the mind, body & spirit.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: Can we visit our loved one while at Hope Harbor?
A: Yes, our visiting hours are 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. For
privacy, a code is given to the patient’s primary contact. We ask that
they share this code with individuals that are allowed to visit and/or
make phone contact with the patient. This helps ensure the patient
has privacy and is able to complete the program successfully.
Q: Will my loved one be taken off of their current medicines?
A: We will not take your loved one off all of their medications. This can
be very dangerous for patients, especially the elderly. Medications
may be slowly changed or discontinued. New medications may be
added to help with behaviors your loved one may be having.
Q: Will my loved one be sedated due to medicine changes or new
medicines?
A: Many of the medications commonly used can cause drowsiness.
Medications are slowly introduced to patients in small doses and
monitored closely to try to avoid these effects. At first, the patient
may be drowsy but should adjust to the medication’s effects and
return to alertness within a few days. If we notice a sedating effect,
the medicine doses will be changed until results are optimal.
Q: How often will the doctor see my loved one?
A: The medical doctor visits at least two times a week and Psychiatrist
or ARNP (Nurse Practitioner) three times a week. We have registered
nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to monitor the patient’s progress
and report changes to the doctor.
Q: Will my loved one get medical tests while at Hope Harbor?
A: Hope Harbor is primarily a mental health unit. Our medical doctor
will conduct medical testing as needed to ensure that your loved one
remains safe.
Q: Can I take my loved one off the unit for things such as lunch or
shopping?
A: No
Q: How long will my loved one stay at Hope Harbor?
A: The average stay is 7 to 10 days. Some patients may be here longer
and some may leave sooner. We will continue to follow-up with the
patient after leaving to make sure changes were successful. Our goal
is to return them to their previous living arrangements.
Q: How often will I be updated on my loved one’s progress?
A: We have team treatment meetings every Monday morning. Family
is encouraged to attend and get updates at this time. This will allow
you to be involved in the planning of your loved one’s treatment. We
update the patient’s primary contact or Power of Attorney as to their
progress at least weekly. Please feel free to call any time for updates.
We have staff on duty that can answer your questions 24 hours a day.
Q: If my loved one will not take their medicines, what can be done?
A: Many medications are available in injectable form and can be used for
a short time until your loved one begins taking them by mouth.