'It's important we take care of people'

A new mental health service for older adults (mainly those 65 and over) has opened in Alva. Senior Life Solutions is located in the lower level at Share Medical Center. An open house and ribbon cutting was held Thursday morning to give the public an opportunity to tour the office and conference room while getting acquainted with services offered.

Following the Alva Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, Rev. Chris Ruwaldt offered a prayer blessing the new facility.

"This is a critical program that ensures seniors don't have to suffer in silence while they deal with very common, but unique, issues related to aging," said hospital administrator Kandice Allen. "It's important that not only Alva seniors know about the program, but that everyone who knows and cares about them be aware of it as well. Seniors can refer themselves to the program, and so can their friends and family."

Introducing staff members, Charita McOsker said, "Jessica (Powell) is the one who really keeps us in line ... she does insurance, she does a lot of documentation, but she also is our transporter. Share Medical Center has provided us with a van that is handicapped accessible. It has a wheelchair ramp. So, if people don't have their own transportation to come to groups and such, we go get them."

The transportation is offered for those living within 20 miles of the site, but they serve patients who live within a 50-mile radius of Alva.

McOsker said when they first started in Alva, they met a woman interested in their services who had a book called "Elderhood." The woman loaned it to McOsker and she started reading that day. Later she bought her own copy.

"You know there's childhood, there's adulthood and then there's elderhood. And the truth is elderhood can be a full third of our lifespan," she said. "It has its own unique challenges, but we also have our own unique gifts during that time. It's just important that we take care of people whichever category they're in. So that's our focus, that's Senior Life Solutions."

"The unique thing about our program is it doesn't take a physician's referral," said Mitzi Johnson. "You can refer someone you think might benefit from this program or someone can refer themselves. The next step is we go out, we visit with them, we see what their needs are. We have a psychiatrist who does our visits, and they're the ones who determine if they meet the criteria for the program."

Johnson said if the person doesn't meet the criteria, Senior Life Solutions has a network of services that might offer help to that person.

Once qualification is determined, the out-patient service is offered in a group setting. The facility at Share Medical Center includes a spacious conference room for group gatherings. Patients also meet with a therapist one-on-one twice a month. Another option is family therapy. Johnson emphasized that the program is specifically designed for rural communities. When patients can't make it to the facility there's also an option of telehealth so they can be still be part of the group.

The program is recognized by Medicare and Medicaid. For other insurance there may be out of pocket expenses. Powell will help patients figure out insurance issues.

Staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse and other caregivers.

Share Medical CFO Kelly Parker said six patients are already qualified and receiving help through the program in Alva, a much higher number than expected. The program can handle up to ten patients with current staff. Adding more patients would require additional staff.

Senior Life Solutions is for people who may be experiencing a traumatic event, anxiety, changes in appetite, depression, difficulty sleeping, feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, loss of a close family member or spouse, loss of energy or loss of interest in favorite activities.

Senior Life Solutions offers a confidential, comprehensive assessment; individual, group and family therapy; medication education and management; and aftercare planning.

If you have questions about the program, call 580-430-3378 or visit the hospital's website at http://www.smcok.com/senior-services