Aging isn’t easy, but Grafton City Hospital makes mental health support for seniors simple.
Aging can bring some of life’s greatest challenges, including diminishing independence and loss of loved ones. These struggles, in turn, can trigger anxiety or depression—yet more than half of adults 65 and over who experience mental health issues never receive treatment. That’s why Grafton City Hospital launched Senior Life Solutions, an outpatient mental health program designed to reduce stigma, build social connections, and develop positive coping skills among seniors.
“Older adults often feel like a burden, so it’s uncomfortable for them to talk about their challenges—they don’t want to be perceived as weak,” says Program Director Kaitlynd Bolyard. “It’s really opened our staff’s eyes to the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of spreading the word.”
The first step to treatment is referral to the program, but unlike most specialized medical services, a physician’s order isn’t required—in fact, anyone can make a referral by calling 304.265.7012. Prospective patients can even refer themselves to the program. From there, a doctor evaluates the patient and outlines a personalized care plan. This might include individual and family therapy as well as medication education and management.
But some of the program’s greatest successes, Bolyard says, come through group therapy sessions. “We get them out of their house so they can talk in a group setting and realize that they’re not alone,” she explains. “It creates a supportive environment where patients can discuss their experiences and share coping and communication skills with one another.”
Bolyard witnesses the positive impacts with each passing day. Patients who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one gradually find themselves again, in one example from the 90% of patients who report significant improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms.
After participants graduate from Senior Life Solutions, Bolyard follows up to ensure they’re still thriving—and if they need to rejoin the program, there’s no shame in continuing treatment. “We’re invested in the community of Grafton, so we’re always trying to educate other health care professionals about mental health and the specific challenges of aging,” says Bolyard. “We just want to be here to support seniors and improve their quality of life.”
monhealth.com/grafton-hospital/senior-life-solutions, @gchwv on FB
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