Geriatric mental health care looks at mood, memory, sleep, and behavior in later life. A change may be noticed by the older adult or by someone close to them. Not every change is dementia. Grief, medicines, pain, and poor sleep can also affect how a person feels and thinks. Bring a current medicine list and a note of what has changed. Dr. Ijeoma Mbionwu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, listens to the person and, when welcome, to family.
Sadness, worry, or irritability may be new, or stronger than it was a year ago.
Appointments, names, and recent conversations may slip more often than they did last year.
Nights may turn restless. Daytime sleep can then make evenings harder to settle.
Calls, meals with others, or usual hobbies may drop off without a clear reason.
Agitation, suspicion, or a change in habits may worry the people who help at home.
Getting started on meals, bathing, or a short walk can take more prompting than before.
Cooking, bills, and medicines may take longer, or need a second set of eyes.
A shorter temper or more quiet can change talks with a spouse, adult child, or friend.
Broken nights can leave the next day foggy. Naps may not fully repair that.
Driving, shopping, and staying home alone may raise new questions about safety and how much help is needed.
A change in mood or memory deserves a careful look, not a rushed label. Some memory concerns are not dementia. Others need a closer look at thinking and daily function. Behavior changes in someone who already has dementia are a different concern. A Medicare cognitive assessment may be discussed when the picture is unclear. Family notes help when the older adult wants them included.
Care looks at the whole person: sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, other conditions, life stage, and goals. The plan is personalized and evidence-based, from a board-certified PMHNP, in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
A visit reviews mood, memory, medicines, sleep, health, and what the week looks like.
Current medicines are reviewed for side effects. Changes are discussed only when they fit.
Talking through loss, worry, and daily strain may support care alongside other treatment.
Later visits track mood, sleep, and memory so small changes are not missed between appointments. A memory assessment can be part of that plan when thinking changes need a closer look.
The visit starts with the older adult's story, plus family notes when those are welcome.
From there, options are discussed that fit health, daily support, and personal goals.
Follow-up visits leave room for questions, side effects, and changes in how the week is going.
If mood or memory changes are worrying you or someone you love, Schedule Your Appointment or Call 407-616-1691. Visits are in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida. If you are in crisis now, call or text 988 or call 911.
Getting started with StarMaris is simple. Please complete the forms below before your first appointment to help us provide timely, personalized psychiatric care. Referring providers can submit patient referrals securely online. For questions, call us at 407-616-1691.