Make Small Home Updates to Reduce Stress

Our Senior Life Solutions department suggests making small home updates to help reduce stress in life. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Simple home updates like better lighting, decluttering favorite spaces, or adding comfortable seating can help create a calmer, less stressful environment. A peaceful home can support emotional well-being at every age.

Senior Life Solutions opened as a new department at Veterans Memorial Hospital on March 26th,, providing outpatient services for individuals, typically age 65 and older, experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. Since social connection is a major part of mental health, Senior Life Solutions offers group therapy three times per week to build routine and purpose in the lives of area older Americans. Individual therapy, medication management, and after-care planning are also services included with Senior Life Solutions services.

Individuals may benefit from the Veterans Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions program if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:

· Anxiety

· Changes in appetite

· Depression

· Difficulty sleeping

· Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks

· Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

· Loss of a spouse or close family member

· Loss of energy

· Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

· Recently experienced a traumatic event

Anyone can make a referral to the Senior Life Solutions program--primary care providers, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, nursing or residential facilities and anyone can also self-refer themselves.

The Veterans Memorial Hospitals Senior Life Solutions department believes comfort, stability, and routine play an important role in mental health. For more information, please call 563-568-5560 or visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com