Elkader’s MercyOne Medical Center recently introduced Senior Life Solutions, a new outpatient program designed to meet the mental health needs of older adults, typically those 65 and older, experiencing depression, anxiety or other challenges associated with aging.
Senior Life Solutions is a nationally operated program with hospital partners in more than 35 states, who help to expand access to behavioral health services for older adults in rural communities where care can be limited. In Elkader, the program serves patients within a 50-mile radius and includes group therapy, medication management, health screenings and other support services.
Amy Wiedner, the program’s office program coordinator, said the opportunity came through collaboration between hospital leadership and Senior Life Solutions after recognizing a growing need for mental health services for older adults in Elkader and surrounding communities. Wiedner helps coordinate program operations and assists patients with care needs.
Wiedner explained, “Many adults in rural areas experience depression, anxiety, grief and isolation but often face barriers such as limited local resources, transportation challenges or financial concerns. Senior Life Solutions helps fill the gap and provides structured support locally so seniors can receive care while continuing to live independently in their communities.”
Another barrier that keeps older adults from receiving care is stigma surrounding mental health. While attitudes about mental health are changing, Wiedner noted, for older adults, attitudes are changing more slowly.
Eric Lechtenberg, RN, the program’s director, oversees staff coordination, patient care quality and community education efforts.
He said, “Older generations grew up in a time when mental health wasn’t openly discussed the way physical health was. That stigma can make people feel ashamed to ask for help, when in reality, seeking support is a sign of strength.”
Families and health care providers are also becoming more aware of the emotional impact of aging, retirement, grief, isolation and chronic illness.
“As people age, their circles often get smaller,” Lechtenberg said. “Family members get busy with their own lives, loved ones pass away, health issues become more common and there are more things outside of their control. Even when no one intends for someone to feel left out, those changes can lead to loneliness, isolation and a real impact on mental health.”
Anyone can be referred to the program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, nursing homes or residential facilities.
Services offered in Elkader include confidential comprehensive assessment, group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, medication education and management, and after-care planning.
Paige Funk, LMSW, is the therapist responsible for providing therapeutic services for patients.
Care in the program is highly individualized based on each patient’s emotional, medical and social needs. It is developed following a confidential individual assessment, where patients are evaluated for concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, isolation, trauma, health changes or life transitions. Following that evaluation, a care plan is developed. Program length varies depending on the patient’s progress and goals.
Older adults who may benefit from the program include those coping with the loss of a loved one, a chronic health diagnosis, changes in living conditions, feelings of sadness or guilt, suicidal thoughts, changes in sleep, energy or weight, frequent emergency room visits or the stress of care giving.
Since the program is new to the area, staff is working to spread awareness about available services.
Lechtenberg said, “We’re working to spread awareness both with the public and with providers. That includes presentations at libraries, conversations with senior care facilities and reaching out to places in the community like pharmacies, local businesses and other locations where older adults may already be connected. We don’t want people who could benefit from this program to slip through the cracks.”
MercyOne Elkader also recently partnered with Central High School’s art students and Main Street Elkader to “Paint Elkader Green” for Mental Health Awareness Month, using artwork on storefront windows along Main Street to help reduce stigma and spark conversations about emotional well-being in the community.
Lechtenberg added, “Many people are surprised how much things can improve when they have support, connection and the right tools.”
“We’ve already seen patients come in hesitant and unsure whether group therapy would really help, and then quickly begin to open up,” he said. “Watching patients become more comfortable, confident, connected and engaged has been incredibly encouraging.”
Since the program launched, the response from the community and local providers has been very positive.
Wiedner shared, “We’ve seen strong interest from patients, families, clinics, assisted living facilities and nursing homes who recognize the need for additional mental health support for older adults in our area.”
She added, “If someone reading this recognizes themselves or a loved one in a situation we’ve discussed, I would want them to know they are not alone, and mental health struggles are not just a normal part of aging that someone has to simply ‘live with.’ Help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.”
To make a referral, call 563-245-7018.
