Seniors’ Psychiatric Hospital Opening in Lufkin

Lufkin's medical industry is so large it could be the area's biggest employer.  Thousands of people work in Lufkin's hospitals, public and private clinics, doctor's offices, assisted living centers, nursing homes, home healthcare providers, pharmacies and retail medical supply outlets.

Lufkin also has a large and growing population of seniors and retirees, but, until now, it didn't have a hospital specifically created to treat the mental problems that afflict seniors. Now it does.

When it opens soon, the Audubon Behavioral Healthcare Center will be for senior citizens only, and only those over 55 who've been diagnosed with a psychiatric need such as dementia, Alzheimer's, or schizophrenia can seek assistance from the hospital.

Audubon officials say this new hospital will diagnose patients in this new facility, and it will work closely with other local hospitals to coordinate their care.  The center will eliminate long trips to Houston or Louisiana for behavioral care and treatment.

People are already lining up for treatment.  Audubon officials say they're already getting calls from prospective patients.  The hospital will also create several dozen new jobs.

via Geropsychiatric Hospital scheduled to open soon in Lufkin - KTRE.com Lufkin and Nacogdoches |.

It is amazing that this will be the area's first facility to deal with mental problems that are common in seniors.  We hope it won't be the last.