December – March 2025
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
It's time again to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote resources and support for those who need it. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being in older adults who face unique challenges. Programs play a key role in promoting mental health and engaging their communities. Here are a few ideas to help celebrate and encourage greater involvement:
Educational Workshops & Seminars Offering informational sessions for both staff and patients can help demystify mental health issues among older adults. These workshops can cover topics like depression, anxiety, isolation, and how to manage emotions. Inviting guest speakers such as mental health professionals or others who have overcome mental health struggles can also provide valuable insights and inspiration.
Screenings & Assessments May is a great time to offer free mental health screenings or assessments for patients. These screenings can help identify individuals who may be experiencing mental health concerns that need attention but may not have sought help yet. Information shared can help address issues early and prevent escalation.
Community Partnerships Collaborating with local community centers, senior living facilities, and support groups can help raise awareness of the services your clinic offers. Program directors can work to establish referral networks that ensure older adults have access to the support they need and create a stronger community of mental health resources.
Promote Self-Care & Coping Strategies During Mental Health Month, provide practical tips for self-care that are tailored to older adults, such as simple mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and easy-to-follow physical activities. Encourage patients to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports their mental well-being, like eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and staying socially connected.
Highlight Success Stories Sharing stories of patients who have successfully navigated mental health challenges can inspire others to seek help. Program directors can encourage patients to participate in these stories—whether through written testimonials or video interviews—to highlight the positive impact that seeking mental health support can have on the lives of older adults.
Social Media & Outreach Use social media platforms to promote Mental Health Month initiatives and spread awareness about mental health in older adults. By sharing relevant articles, infographics, and videos, clinics can increase visibility of their programs and encourage individuals to seek support. Online resources can also help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the elderly population. Click below for shareables, stickers, backgrounds, and more content.
Foster a Supportive Environment Encourage open conversations about mental health within the clinic. Creating a welcoming, stigma-free environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns can foster trust and increase patient engagement. Provide staff with additional training on how to best support geriatric patients facing mental health challenges.
By embracing these initiatives, program directors can help raise awareness about mental health in older adults, reduce stigma, and encourage more individuals to seek the care they need. Celebrating Mental Health Month not only highlights the importance of mental health but also strengthens the sense of community and support that older adults need to live happier, healthier lives.
Open House
Renewed Horizons at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Tell City, Indiana celebrated their Open House on February 24, 2025. The Chamber of Commerce, hospital staff and community members were given the opportunity to tour and learn about the new program that will be opening this month.
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A Valentine's Day to Remember
Senior Life Solutions of Staunton Community Hospital had the opportunity to celebrate with their patients in honor of Valentine’s Day. In the spirit of the occasion, the focus of the presentation was on emotional expression. Group members were invited to reflect on their comfort levels with communicating affection to friends and loved ones, exploring the different love languages: acts of service, gift-giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation.
The session provided meaningful insights as participants shared how they express and receive love. This discussion encouraged a deeper understanding of individual preferences and emotional needs, fostering stronger connections among the group.
A Holly Jolly Senior Care Christmas
Summers County ARH Senior Care Program patients enjoyed a surprise Christmas Party hosted by the Senior Care staff. Several of the patients expressed that the event was more than they ever expected and they felt overwhelmed at the kindness shown to them. The idea behind this celebration was that regardless of a person’s situation, we were not going to risk any of our patients spending the holiday alone, without a roundtable meal, and without presents to open. Winter holidays can increase a person’s risk for exacerbation of mental health problems due to stress triggers. One of our jobs in senior care to help develop impactful interventions that will improve the patient’s quality of life, both mentally and physically. Our patients work hard every day to implement what they’ve learned into their lives. We have become their family and families celebrate together!
The Senior Care Program Unit Clerk, Erika Halstead-Mutter, developed a patient adoption program that would give the department an affordable option to ensure each patient received gifts. Several staff from different departments took part in the adoption, including but not limited to Administration, Billing, Radiology, Dietary, and Pharmacy. One very gracious community member donated $100 Kroger gift cards to each of the patients as well. The whole event was a tremendous success and took a large team effort to pull off. No doubt, Summers County ARH has proven that Compassion, Collaboration, and Community are core values that we all possess!
Thanks to Jennifer Clayton, the hospitals Billing/Revenue Cycle Manager and Jeremy Willis, the Radiology Director, we were able to get word to Santa Clause that a visit from him would reignite the joy of the holidays and bring celebration to our patients. They were overjoyed by the visit and wonderful memories were made!
The party menu consisted of Chick-fil-a nuggets and fruit, crispy hot fries from the hospital kitchen, and handmade goodies courtesy of Jeanette Ratcliffe, the Program Therapist.
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Congratulations, Kate!
Katie Fleming, therapist at Senior Perspectives at the Medical Center at Franklin, was recently inducted into the Trigg County High School Athletic Hall of Fame for her exceptional achievements in golf. A 2002 graduate, Katie’s dedication and skill on the golf course earned her this prestigious honor. Her commitment, hard work, and passion for the sport have seamlessly translated into her work with senior adults. Katie has been a dedicated therapist with Senior Perspectives for 13 years, bringing the same level of dedication and care to her patients as she did to her athletic pursuits.
Health Fairs
Senior Perspectives participated in the annual health fair hosted by The Medical Center at Franklin. Staff were able to meet and talk to community members about the program as well as provide screenings for depression and anxiety.
Senior Perspectives from the Medical Centers at Franklin and Scottsville participated in a Senior Summit sponsored by Hosparus. The event was well attended, and staff were able to speak with seniors and others about the services provided at Senior Perspectives.
