CCMH Senior Life Solutions Program Raising Awareness During American Heart Month
February 15, 2019
CARROLLTON, Mo. – The month of February is national American Heart Month and Carroll County Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is working to raise awareness of the connection between heart health and emotional health.
In February of 1964, a national campaign began declaring February, American Heart Month, to help bring awareness to the number one killer of both men and women in America. Heart related health concerns come with many physical symptoms ranging from chest pain or discomfort to shortness of breath; however, the symptoms do not stop at physical. Many people suffering from heart disease or other heart related problems often struggle with psychological or emotional symptoms. These symptoms can include, depression caused by an inability to do the activities they were once able to do, or anxiety caused by the fear of a repeat episode. Many studies show there is a direct correlation between heart health and mental health and each can have an effect on the other.
Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging. Their mission is to restore the quality of life for older adults.
Individuals may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers:
- Recently experienced a traumatic event
- Lost a spouse or close family member
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Following an individual assessment, patients meet three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.
“A person’s emotional health can have an enormous impact on their physical health,” said Sheila Rider, CCMH Senior Life Solutions program director. “Senior Life Solutions makes it a priority for every individual participating in the program to be assessed for both for the duration of their enrollment and aftercare.”
For more information, call the CCMH Senior Life Solutions program at 660-542-1695.
ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS
Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country. PMC was developed with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities. PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program and multiple inpatient facilities, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States.
For more information, visit www.psychmc.com.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.