Mental Health

"Aging causes a number of physical changes. Many of these changes have a domino effect," observes Mary Ann Wilkinson, an older adult specialist working in the Aging In Place Initiative. Physical problems such as reduced mobility, vision or hearing; and disorders such as dementia or mental illness - coupled with lack of family support - often leave older people isolated and vulnerable in their homes.

The Older Adult Consultation Services (OACS), funded by the Horizon Foundation initiative, addresses the mental health of seniors through two strategies: increasing awareness of community health services in general and OACS in particular; and direct client services.

	Older Adult Specialist Mary Ann Wilkinson of Developmental Services Group counsels Viola Whipps, a participant in the Aging In Place Initiative.

Wilkinson and other staff members promote community awareness by conducting education and training activities on the mental health of the elderly for professionals, including doctors; sponsoring training events; and speaking at senior centers and to community groups about mental health and issues related to aging.

Clients are referred to OACS from a variety of sources, ranging from family members to Adult Protective Services or primary care doctors. One client, for example, was referred to OACS by her daughters, who were caring for handicapped children as well as their mentally ill mother. Suffering from depression and anxiety, Mrs. A was having panic attacks and was unable to stay in her home. Over the course of her care, Mrs. A moved for a while into assisted living and required brief hospitalizations. But through therapy and medication management, eventually her condition was stabilized and she returned to living independently in her own home.