Genesis Health System is expanding its services for mental health, from children to seniors. Today it announced a special geriatric unit will open in October on the west campus in Davenport.
Vice president, Ken Croken, says there's a growing demand for help for those with Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and other behavioral problems.
The new unit will open with six beds, and eventually grow to 20.
Croken says the challenge for Genesis, and other health providers, is not providing beds and space, it's finding the staff.
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Number of practicing psychiatrists in the US dropped by half in last 5 years.
A psychiatrist has been hired to staff the new unit, and nurses are now being recruited.
