In leading a full, productive life, mental health is as important as physical health regarding older adults’ overall well-being and fulfillment. At an older age, mental health is shaped not only by one’s physical and social environments but also by the cumulative impacts of earlier life experiences and specific stressors related to aging. Exposure to adversity, significant loss in intrinsic capacity, and a decline in functional ability can all result in mental health distress and discomfort. According to the Pan American Health Organization, at least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or dementia. Depression, which can rise in the winter months known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is the most common mental health problem in older adults. Statistics state that seniors aged 85 and older have the known highest suicide rate of any age group.
Unfortunately, two-thirds of seniors who suffer from mental health concerns do not receive the appropriate treatment they require. Sadly, mental health services for older adults tend to be limited and inaccessible. Luckily, Cordell Memorial Hospital is taking steps to change those statistics and offer a program designed to help seniors, typically 65 years of age or older, experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. The Senior Life Solutions program is designed to help confidently meet older adults’ unique mental health needs.
“We are an intensive outpatient mental health program typically for 65 and older who may be experiencing anxiety or depression due to life changes such as losing a spouse or family member, navigating through an injury that has altered their everyday life, or have moved into a new environment and are having trouble adjusting to their new normal,” expressed RN Program Director Liz Worley BSN, RN.
“We are considered a short-term program. The expectancy at first is 30 days because we want our patients to get better. We continue to review after that.”
Senior Life Solutions is equipped with a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapist, registered nurse, and other qualified, trained professionals to ensure the best care will be available to patients within the program.
“In Okeene, where I got to do my training at their Senior Life, we met this gentleman who had accidentally stumbled into their program. He came into the hospital one day; his spouse had just passed, and he had been taking care of her for three years before that. He was just lost; he didn’t know what to do. He was in the hospital, and he wanted coffee. He smelled the coffee, stumbled into where their program was, got coffee, and ended up meeting their program director and therapist and staying. He came in there when I was doing my training, and he was so excited and bright, you wouldn’t have known he was in a place he was in [mentally]. Tearfully with smiles, he said, “This is so awesome, and I would never have thought that there would be life after my wife, and finding joy in life again is such an amazing thing.” It was at that moment I knew this was the right choice,” expressed Worley.
Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. CMH’s Senior Life Solutions program offers confidential, comprehensive assessment, group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, medication education and management, and after-care planning. Although this is a group setting, Senior Life Solutions makes sure each person is addressed individually based on their unique needs. Following the patient’s graduation from the program, Senior Life Solutions will continue to encourage and support those who participated in the program. Worley said they hope to open their doors officially by the year’s end.
“We are Cordell Memorial’s program; they have been amazing and welcoming. It’s a very family-oriented hospital. Melinda Laird has been amazing and is really into community and community outreach. She’s onboard with the community education where we are trying to diminish that stigma about mental health,” expressed Worley.
Anyone can refer an individual to the program, including physicians, family members, self-referrals, or other healthcare professionals. Senior Life-Solutions offers teletherapy services that are private, efficient, and flexible.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program and would like to receive more information, contact Cordell Memorial Hospital at (580) 832-8110.