The Senior Behavioral Unit at Coosa Valley Medical Center

12/19/2025

This Christmas, we’re coming together to make sure every patient feels remembered and loved. ❤️🎄

We are currently accepting donations so that each patient will have a gift to open on Christmas Day—a simple gesture that carries so much hope, dignity, and comfort during a difficult season.

We were also incredibly touched by a dear friend who delivered the most beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments yesterday, each one made with care and generosity. These ornaments are more than decorations—they’re reminders that kindness still shows up, even when it’s least expected.

12/16/2025

We would love to have you on our team!

12/16/2025

Cold hands, warm hearts.

Today brought really chilly temperatures, so we warmed things up on the Senior Behavioral Unit with a cozy hot cocoa bar for our staff and patients.

From steamy mugs to sweet toppings and lots of smiles, it was a simple reminder that comfort, kindness, and connection matter—especially on cold days.

Moments like these turn an ordinary day into something special.

12/15/2025

How are you feeling?

It’s okay to not be okay.

The holidays aren’t easy for everyone. A simple check-in with the people in your life can offer comfort, connection, and support.

12/11/2025

Today our team invested in one of the most important parts of patient care: safety, communication, and compassion.

Our staff participated in specialized training focused on working with patients who become combative or distressed. We practiced de-escalation techniques, effective communication, and safe, supportive ways to manage high-intensity situations.

This training isn’t just about reacting — it’s about preventing escalation, protecting our staff, and preserving dignity for every patient who comes through our doors.

We’re proud of our team for their dedication to continuous learning and for showing up every day committed to providing care with patience, skill, and heart.

Safe staff. Safe patients. Strong care.

12/09/2025

Give yourself the gift of peace this holiday season.

Small changes can make a big impact.

The holidays can be busy, emotional, and overwhelming, but small steps can make a big difference. 🎄💙

Here are seven simple ways to protect your mental health and manage stress this season. Taking care of you is always worth it.

12/08/2025

As we enter the holiday season, we wanted to share a quick reminder of the unique mental health challenges this time of year can bring.

Nearly 3 in 5 individuals report increased stress during the holidays, and rates of loneliness and emotional overwhelm often rise, even when surrounded by family or celebrations.

Our Senior Behavioral Unit is here to support patients who may be struggling more during this season.

12/05/2025

So, you’ve heard of the Twelve Days of Christmas, right? What’s the next best thing? The Twelve Days of “Did You Know?” – starting today! 🎄🎄

Over the next 11 days, our unit will be sharing a daily “Did You Know?” fact.

Each tidbit is designed to educate and inform you about inpatient geriatric psychiatric services, the benefits of our program, and ways our team can support you and our patients.

12/04/2025

🌿 National Grieving Week 🌿

This week, we pause to honor National Grieving Week—a time dedicated to acknowledging the weight of loss, the courage it takes to heal, and the importance of support through the hardest seasons of life.

On the Senior Behavioral Unit, we see firsthand how grief can shape a person’s emotional and mental well-being. Many of our patients are navigating losses that span a lifetime—loved ones, independence, memories, routines, and sometimes even parts of themselves. Grief looks different for everyone, and there is no “right” way or timeline to feel it.

This week, we stand together to:
• Recognize the silent burdens so many carry.
• Encourage honest conversations about loss and healing.
• Provide comfort, patience, and presence.
• Remind our patients, families, and community that no one has to grieve alone.

If you or someone you love is walking through grief, please know that support is here. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community, in compassion, and in the small moments of understanding we offer one another.

Let’s honor this week with gentleness, empathy, and connection.
You matter. Your feelings matter. Your grief matters.

12/04/2025

At the Senior Behavioral Unit, activities are more than just something to pass the time — they’re powerful tools for healing, connection, and joy.

Each day, our patients take part in purposeful therapeutic groups designed to strengthen memory, spark conversation, and bring a little fun back into their routine.

From memory-recall games that keep the mind active, to group puzzles, art therapy, music sessions, and laughter-filled rounds of trivia or bingo — every moment is intentional.

These activities help reduce anxiety, improve mood, boost confidence, and remind our patients that they still have so much to contribute and enjoy.

Watching them light up with a correct answer, share a story from decades ago, or cheer each other on is one of the best parts of what we do.

We’re grateful for our team members who bring creativity, encouragement, and heart to these groups every single day.

And we’re proud of our patients, who show up, participate, and support one another.

12/03/2025

🎄 Holiday Donation Drive for the Senior Behavioral Unit 🎄

As we head into this season of giving, the Senior Behavioral Unit at Coosa Valley Medical Center is hoping to bring a little extra warmth and comfort to our patients. Many of them will spend the holidays in our care, and small gifts can make a big impact.

We are accepting donations of blankets, lotions, snacks, cozy socks, word-search books, and other simple comforts that help brighten their days.

🎄Donation Drop-Off:🎄
Please deliver any items to the front desk at the main entrance of Coosa Valley Medical Center and let them know the donation is for Candice Hightower on the Senior Behavioral Unit (SBU).

📅 Donations accepted now through December 17.

Thank you for helping us bring joy, dignity, and a little holiday magic to our seniors this season.

Your generosity means more than you know. ❤️❤️❤️