CHI Lisbon Health’s Senior Life Solutions is a program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older, experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging, is here to help address the behavioral and emotional health of the older adults in our community. For Older Adults, depression, and anxiety often come about by a significant life change. Feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness occur due to some of these common older adult life transitions: Retirement, kids growing older with their own families, your physical abilities being different than they used to be, potential new home environment, losing loved ones, feeling more dependent on others for care. As we grow older, we experience more of these life transitions, and often they can be painful and more complex. In Older Adults, symptoms of depression and anxiety often go unnoticed or overlooked. Even the person experiencing these feelings may think this is a normal part of aging. There is a large population of the elderly, and these adults need to know that they don’t have to feel this way; it doesn’t have to become their “norm.” In fact, according to a recent study done by Mental Health America, about 58% of people aged 65 and older believe it is “normal” for people to get depressed as they grow older.
CHI Lisbon Health’s Senior Life Solutions program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a registered nurse, and other trained professionals dedicated to helping older adults in our community navigate difficult life transitions and regain their quality of life.
Abbey Lux, RN Program Director of Senior Life Solutions, says, “We are committed to providing excellent care to our community. We are available to answer questions about mental health, provide educational presentations, or provide information about our program to community members. We also educate other healthcare professionals about mental health and the specific challenges of aging.” Anyone can make a referral to our program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, and nursing or residential facilities. If you would like more information, education, or would like to discuss support for yourself or a loved one, please call us at 701-683-6353.