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Senior Outreach Program

Unity Health System
Rochester New York

Contact:

Heide George, R.N., M.S.
Program Coordinator
Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Unity Health System
81 Lake Avenue, 2nd Floor
Rochester, NY  14608
Phone: 585-368-6901 x 8979
Email: hgeorge@unityhealth.org

Program Description:

The Senior Outreach Program, which is part of the Unity Health System, provides a variety of mental health and supportive services in urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout Rochester and Monroe counties. The program was developed to address significant barriers and gaps in mental health services for older adults. Barriers identified include: stigma associated with acknowledging problems or seeking care, finances, and transportation. Senior Outreach is unique in that it addresses these barriers by providing treatment and educational services to older adults in their existing environments.

This model mental health program has increased availability of services through   collaboration with the Unity Health Center for Aging and Continuing Care. Access is enhanced through multiple channels of service delivery; these include homes, adult residences, day programs, and primary care offices. Outreach mental health services include: screening, evaluation, treatment, case management, education, and consultation.  Individual, group, and family interventions are offered. Case management is used as an adjunct to treatment and facilitates the delivery of support services.

While the goal of the program is to increase availability of mental health services, the program’s education about mental health and issues of aging addresses stigma and increases coping skills for older adults. Education and consultation for the staff at the Center for Aging and Continuing Care also ultimately assist older adults in getting quality care.

The program’s interventions, which are based on evidence-based practices, are focused on high-quality mental health care for the elderly. The Senior Outreach Program is designed to provide accessible care without stigma and to empower older adults to select the most appropriate and comfortable setting.