The Callaway District Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program is celebrating their five year anniversary this month. It is a program designed to meet the needs of individuals, typically, 65 years of age and older who may be experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. Kelly Herbig serves as the program director responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of the program staff to ensure quality patient care and provide community education and awareness of the program. Other program team members include program therapist Jerri Phillips and office patient coordinator Janel Brestel. During a recent interview on KCNI’s Public Affairs, Herbig invited the public to a special open house on March 19th to celebrate the program’s five years of service.
“So we actually opened in February of 2021 and we admitted our first patient in March of 2021. And on March 19th, we’re going to have an open house at the Senior Life Office (in Callaway) from 11:30 to 1:30, with just some light snacks and we’ll have information about the program as well as other mental health resources if anybody has a question or a need.”
Herbig said there has been a stigma attached to mental health issues and openly discussing them but she feels that stigma is diminishing some.
“Definitely challenges and lots of changes. There is still a stigma that we see when talking about mental health, especially with older adults, that have a little bit of a struggle. The good news is that when it comes to that stigma we’re working on it. There’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s much more prevalent that people are talking about it in the media, government programs, insurance companies that recognize the need for mental health services. But there’s always work to do. We’re always looking at different ways to raise awareness.”
Herbig said anyone can make a referral to their program including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, as well as nursing or residential facilities. Herbig stressed that if you or someone you know is battling mental health issues you are not alone. Do not be afraid to talk to your physician or reach out to Senior Life Solutions at 308-836-2153.
The full “Public Affairs” interview with program director Kelly Herbig is posted below.
