Now in its fifth year, Senior Reach is an expanding Axis Health System program for La Plata County adults over age 60.
Senior Reach is having a profound impact in the community and has proven highly successful in decreasing depression, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness and social isolation among seniors. The program offers support for the well-being, independence and dignity of older adults through community education, mental health services and connection to local resources.
Although the goal was to serve 30 seniors during in 2022, there were 51 older adults served. It is noteworthy that 13 of these clients were diagnosed with some form of dementia. The Senior Reach program was able to help these individuals access services and provide their family members with support and education regarding this diagnosis and how to support people with dementia.
Due to the high volume of Senior Reach clients, two interns were brought on during the past year to assist with part-time case management and counseling services. The program recently hired one part-time case manager and plans to hire a full-time case manager. Interested applicants can learn about this position on the Axis Health System job board.
Axis continues to use a Senior Reach call center to accept referrals, host community trainings and provide assertive outreach, services, case management and brief therapy in the patient’s home.
The program has supported several seniors with suicidal ideation, as increased suicide risk tends to go hand in hand with increasingly complex medical issues in older adults. This program has also helped several seniors struggling with financial concerns by helping them to consolidate their bills, contact agencies for support or develop the skills and confidence to return to the work force. Other challenges have included serving an increasing number of seniors who are struggling with significant chemical dependency issues, homelessness and law enforcement involvement.
If you want to refer an older adult, volunteer as a community partner or get more information about Senior Reach or issues that impact an older adults’ health, contact Senior Reach staff at 970.335.2217. Services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Signs someone may need assistance
- Confusion, disorientation
- Difficulty seeing, hearing, walking
- Recent loss of a spouse
- Anxious, depressed
- Withdrawn or isolated
- Loss of appetite
- Unkempt, dirty clothes
- Home needs repair
- Trash or mail being neglected
- Confused about money matters