Aging brings many joys – more time with family and freedom in retirement – but our older years can also bring difficult life transitions, including the loss of loved ones and stress from age-related health concerns.

Fillmore Community Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions^® is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging.

Feeling down every once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few weeks or months, you may be dealing with something more serious.

If you or someone you know has experienced any of the following, this program might be right for you.

• Anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Lost a spouse or close family member
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Recently experienced a traumatic event

Services offered by Senior Life Solutions include a confidential, comprehensive assessment, group, and individual therapy, family therapy, medication education and management, and after-care planning, where we continue to engage and support our participants. Even though this is a group setting, each person is addressed individually based on their unique needs.

The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the mental health care of the older adults in our community.

Anyone can make a referral to the program. This includes self, family members, physicians, or other healthcare professionals.

For more information about Fillmore Community Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program, call (435) 743-1559. Our program is located on Floor 1 at Fillmore Community Hospital.

The questions and answers below are extracted from a radio interview, Valley Viewpoint, on KSVC 980 AM. Hosts, Porter Huntsman and Dylan Nilson, interview Sunny Saxon, Senior Life Solutions program director, and Lynda Matthews, office and patient coordinator from Fillmore Hospital to discuss Senior Life Solutions.

Question: What is Senior Life Solutions?

• Answer: Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient mental health program located at Fillmore Community Hospital. It supports adults age 65 and older who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or challenges related to life changes.

Question: What challenges do older adults commonly face?

• Answer: Many seniors experience major life transitions such as retirement, moving to a new home, loss of loved ones or pets, declining physical health, and loss of independence. These changes can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and isolation.

Question: How can these challenges affect mental health?

• Answer: When life changes are not addressed in healthy ways, symptoms of depression and anxiety can worsen and impact overall quality of life, including sleep, appetite, physical health, and social connection.

Question: Why is it important for seniors to talk about mental health?

• Answer: Many older adults hesitate to discuss mental health due to stigma or fear of being a burden. Open conversations help seniors access support, maintain independence, and stay engaged with their families and communities.

Question: Is mental health stigma still a concern for seniors?

• Answer: Yes. Mental health stigma can prevent people from seeking help. Mental wellness, however, is just as important as physical health and deserves the same care and attention.

Question: What services does Senior Life Solutions provide?

• Answer: Senior Life Solutions offers an intensive outpatient program that includes:
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medication management and education
  • Coordination with primary care providers
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• Care is collaborative and focuses on emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Question: Does the program support families and caregivers?

• Answer: Yes. The program provides education, advocacy, and resources for families and caregivers to help them better support their loved ones.

Question: Who provides care in the Senior Life Solutions program?

• Answer: The care team includes a program director, office and patient coordinator, licensed therapist, and physician. This small team approach allows for personalized, attentive care.

Question: What makes Senior Life Solutions unique?

• Answer: Senior Life Solutions is a national program designed specifically for rural hospitals. It focuses on serving rural communities where access to mental health resources may be limited.

Question: What is group therapy like?

• Answer: Group therapy is part of an intensive outpatient program and typically meets three times per week for three-hour sessions. Participants work with a trained therapist and connect with others facing similar challenges in a supportive, confidential setting.

Question: Are individual therapy services available?

• Answer: Yes. Individual therapy is offered as needed and may be provided alongside group therapy.

Question: Does Senior Life Solutions offer telehealth services?

• Answer: The program currently serves a 25-mile radius around Fillmore and the Delta area, with advocacy services extending up to 85 miles. Telehealth therapy services are planned for the expanded service area.

Question: Who can refer someone to the program?

• Answer: Anyone may make a referral, including seniors, family members, friends, or healthcare providers.

Question: Is insurance accepted?

• Answer: Yes. Senior Life Solutions accepts all insurance and works individually with patients to determine coverage.

Question: How can I learn more or make a referral?

• Answer: To learn more or make a referral, call 435-743-1559.