Senior Life Solutions

by Sally Sedgwick

Are you an older adult, or do you know one who is experiencing changes in appetite, sleeping, fear of leaving home or loss of independence? 

You’re not alone. Many do, and they can be symptoms of depression. The good thing is that seniors don’t have to live with these or other symptoms, said Andrea Green, program director and registered nurse at Senior Life Solutions, a unique program at Bigfork Valley Hospital for seniors.

Although most older adults believe it is normal for seniors to be depressed as they age according to Mental Health America, it doesn’t have to be.  Events like retirement, change in home, losing a loved one or developing physical limitations are more likely to happen as people age, and they can serve as triggers for anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges. 

Those challenges can lead to physical symptoms like those above including headaches, feeling tired constantly or even the inability to think clearly.  If allowed to persist, depression in elders can lead to more serious conditions including suicide.

So what can be done?

There’s no magic wand, said therapist Gary Gibson, everyone is different. But there are a number of tools available, including participating in group or individual sessions and even teletherapy from one’s home.   Senior Life Solutions has a licensed psychiatrist who meets with program clients through telehealth and may prescribe medications.

Group sessions are very effective for seniors, said Gibson. They involve 7 to 10 people and are an opportunity to share experiences with others.  Developing resilience is the goal, he said.  When a crisis happens, resilience is critical.

Those living within an hour’s radius of Bigfork Valley are eligible for the program, and anyone from a doctor to a friend can refer a person.  Self-referral is also allowed.  Senior Life Solutions will take care of authorizing treatment through the client’s insurance and develop a plan with a one-on-one meeting.  The program usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but everyone is different, Green cautioned.

To find out more, contact Senior Life Solutions at (218) 743-4284.