A critical new program that has recently launched in our community: Senior Life Solutions. This program, located in the Outpatient Services building just down the hill from the Crawford County Memorial Hospital, officially began on October 6th. The driving force behind its creation is the urgent need to provide mental health support for older adults in our rural area.
The Mental Health Gap in Rural Areas
The need for older adult mental health services has never been greater. Rural counties, like Crawford County, often face a significant lack of mental health professionals. This forces seniors and their families to either travel long distances for care or, in some cases, simply give up on seeking help entirely. By opening the program at Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), Senior Life Solutions can provide a much-needed community service.
Overcoming Stigma and Offering Support
Beyond accessibility, the program is dedicated to overcoming a persistent challenge: stigma. There is often a strong stigma against mental health support among older generations, with some viewing conditions like depression and anxiety as a normal part of aging. Kellie Gee, the program director of Senior Life Solutions, strongly emphasizes that this is not the case. Senior Life Solutions proudly serves as a mental health advocate for the community, ensuring that seniors know they deserve to feel better and thrive.
The Senior Life Solutions Model of Care
Senior Life Solutions provides compassionate, structured care through an outpatient model. Here’s a look at what participants can expect:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Treatment begins with a confidential assessment to develop a personalized plan that best suits the individual’s needs.
- Outpatient Sessions: Patients come to the facility for their sessions and then go home.
- Group and Individual Therapy: Typically, a patient attends up to three group therapy sessions per week, with individual sessions scheduled as needed.
- Integrated Medical Care: A staff nurse checks participants’ vitals at the start of every session and consults with them on their health. A board-certified psychiatrist provides oversight, handling necessary prescriptions and medication management.
- Transition to Continued Wellness: Even after graduation from the program, the team stays in touch and offers aftercare plans to help patients successfully transition to less intensive care.
How to Access the Program
Anyone can recommend a patient for the Senior Life Solutions program. If you know a senior in your life who may be struggling with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Any other mental health challenge related to getting older
The process is easy. Just call the office at 712-265-2800. The team will follow up within 24 hours to see if they would be a good fit.
Upcoming Open House!
Want to learn more about the program and see the facility?
- What: Senior Life Solutions Open House
- Where: Outpatient Services Building at 2540 N Avenue, Denison, IA 51442
- When: November 13th
- Details: Come down for cookies and refreshments!
