Mental health challenges are not an inevitable part of aging. But, they are common among older adults, especially as life circumstances change. At Stoughton Health, the Senior Life Solutions program is designed to meet the emotional and psychological needs of individuals age 65 and older through personalized, compassionate care.
What Does the Senior Life Solutions Program Offer?
Senior Life Solutions serves older adults experiencing mental health concerns that interfere with daily life. According to Deanna Houck, Senior Life Solutions Program therapist, eligibility is broad and the referral process is intentionally accessible.
“It’s for people 65 and older with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and grief,” Houck explains. “They can self-refer, a family member can refer, or a doctor can refer. And, they don’t need a doctor’s order to come into our program.”
Insurance coverage is verified during the intake process, and if coverage is not available, participants are guided toward additional resources. “We don’t ever leave people high and dry,” Houck emphasizes.
Care Designed for the Aging Experience
Mental health care for older adults must take into account the unique challenges that come with aging, including loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, cognitive changes, and increased isolation. Senior Life Solutions focuses on meeting participants where they are and helping them reconnect with what brings meaning to their lives.
“As we age, we lose loved ones, we lose friends, and grief might be a factor,” Houck offers. “So we meet with the individual, talk with them, and see what they want to accomplish. The goals are very specific and personal.”
Rather than focusing only on teaching new coping strategies, the program helps individuals regain skills they may have lost over time. “We really want to focus on individuals regaining skills that they have lost, like leaving the house more often or exercising again,” Houck notes.
Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Concerns
Loneliness, while not a diagnosis on its own, often contributes to more serious mental health concerns in older adults. “Loneliness usually leads to depression and isolation,” Houck warns.
Family members may notice warning signs such as fatigue, loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Panic symptoms can also occur and may be mistaken for physical emergencies. “Sometimes people feel sweaty, their chest gets tight, it’s hard to breathe, and they end up in the emergency department only to find out it’s a panic attack, not a heart attack,” Houck explains.
What Participation Looks Like
Senior Life Solutions follows a structured group-based model that meets three days per week and provides psychotherapy, skills building, and social connection. “They get supportive psychotherapy, skills building, and they learn how to apply those skills,” Houck shares. “That social component is incredibly important, and once people join, they often find they really enjoy coming.” The program has been shown to reduce unnecessary doctor visits and hospital stays by addressing the mental health factors that often worsen physical conditions.
Ongoing Support Beyond Treatment
Aftercare planning begins early, ensuring participants are prepared and supported when they transition out of the program. “We make sure they’re connected in the community, we follow up periodically, and if things aren’t going well, they can come back into the program,” Houck assures. “It’s really about wrapping services around the individual so they don’t fall through the cracks.”
Participants also receive medical monitoring during program days, meals, and access to individual and family therapy. “When they come to our day program, that includes lunch, nursing support, and family therapy in addition to group and individual therapy,” Houck says.
For older adults and families who believe depression or anxiety is simply part of aging, Houck offers a gentle challenge. “If we don’t change our behaviors, nothing changes in our life,” she cautions. “Sometimes it’s developing the insight that this isn’t normal aging. This is depression or anxiety, and help is available.”
Senior Life Solutions exists to provide that help, offering older adults the opportunity to reconnect, rebuild, and improve their quality of life.
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