(Greensburg, IN) – During Suicide Prevention Month, Decatur County Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is raising awareness about mental health and the support available to older adults in the community.
Throughout September, the Senior Life Solutions team is using simple, approachable activities to start conversations about mental health and remind community members that support is available.
The team recently hosted a free root beer float event at the Greensburg Adult Center, allowing community members to spend time together, meet the Senior Life Solutions team, and learn more about the supportive program.
The team also placed mental health-themed rubber duckies around the hospital campus to start conversations about mental health and raise awareness of the support available to older adults and their families.
Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group counseling program designed specifically for adults age 65 and older who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or other emotional challenges related to life changes or aging.
“Sometimes, simply knowing that support is available can be an important first step,” said Amy Sandman, Senior Life Solutions Program Director. “We want to make it easier for older adults and
their families to recognize when someone may be struggling and know where they can turn for help.”
Signs that an older adult may benefit from additional support can include a recent traumatic event, the loss of a spouse or loved one, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep, loss of energy, or feelings of sadness, grief, worthlessness, or hopelessness that persist for more than two weeks.
Following an individual assessment, participants who are appropriate for the program meet three times a week in a supportive group setting. The Senior Life Solutions team includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to older adults’ emotional well-being.
Anyone can refer an individual to Senior Life Solutions, including family members, physicians, and other health care professionals.
“Senior Life Solutions is here specifically to support older adults in our community, but no one should feel like they have to face a mental health challenge alone,” said Taylor Gramman, DCMH Operations Manager. “There are resources and people who can help, no matter your age or what you may be going through. We want everyone in our community to know that support is available and that they are not alone.”
To learn more about Senior Life Solutions or to make a referral, call (812) 663-1139 or visit dcmh.net/senior-life-solutions.
Help is available. There are resources throughout our community for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or a crisis.
If you or someone you know needs emotional support, 988 is available by call, text, or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
