Counseling
for Seniors, Educare is committed to helping seniors suffering from depression
and other anxiety disorders by working hand in hand with primary care physicians
in the community. The sponsoring agencies take a team approach to caring for those
with geriatric depression and other related disorders. The plan of action includes
detection, education and social and family support. A preliminary assessment is
conducted using the HANDS screening tool and if suspected to be suffering from
depression, the person has an advanced evaluation by a mental health professional.
Treatment takes into account existing medical conditions and can consist of counseling,
medication management and care management when needed. Education helps patients
and their families understand the risk factors, reduce the stigma and bring awareness.
Clients are followed closely during their treatment course and contacted at regular
intervals after the conclusion of therapy.
To combat senior depression,
four local community organizations have joined forces: Jewish Family Service,
Portsmouth Family Medicine, Ghent Family Medicine, Portsmouth Community Health
Center, Park Place Medical Center and Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.
Are
you or a family member at risk? Some possible risk factors for senior depression
are:
