Seasons Program For Older Adults Moves From Cedars Sinai Medical Center

June 26, 2012 - PRLog -- In June 2012, Olympia Medical Center began the continuation of the Seasons Program that originated at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  The Seasons Program assists patients with the challenges of aging and how to maintain the highest possible level of independence and ability.

Retirement, health issues, changing finances, the loss of loved ones or the prospect of losing independence can be overwhelming. For many seniors, proper intervention is key to achieving and maintaining their highest level of health, activity and autonomy. Patients participate in an intensive, multi-function program 2-3 days a week for 2-3 hours. This program is comprised of group therapy management services.

The Seasons Program involves the individual’s primary care physician in partnership with Olympia Medical Center’s Team of geriatric behavioral health specialists to integrate medical and mental health treatment plans. The program’s interdisciplinary team includes geriatric psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers and other mental health professionals.

The benefits offered by the Seasons Program include: (1) Skills to cope with and manage depression, anxiety and grief and loss issues; (2) Social interaction and reintegration into community life; (3) Enhanced pleasure in daily living; and (4) Medication management and stabilization.

The Seasons Program fits well with Olympia Medical Center’s Adult and Senior Behavioral Health Programs known as Reflections Outpatient Psychiatric Services and complements Olympia’s Center for Geriatric Health Center. Seasons Program services include:  Goal setting, Coping skills, Grief and loss counseling, Stress and Anxiety management and Assertiveness skills training

Additional benefits of the Seasons Program include: Referrals to community services, Transportation to and from the program based on need, Nurturing therapeutic environment, Complimentary hot lunch and validated parking,

Candidates for the Seasons Program are people 55 and older who are experiencing Depression, Loss of pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, Declining ability to function in daily life, Feelings of anxiety or panic, Significant changes in eating or sleeping, Withdrawal from family or friends, Significant personality changes, Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness and Self-destructive thoughts.

The admission process is easy and straight-forward. Call (323) 932-5056 and a trained staff member will help schedule an appointment.