Understanding Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults
NASHUA – No age group is immune to mental health disorders. It is helpful for caregivers to understand common mental health issues and how to get help for the older adult when needed. Ways to learn what symptoms to look for in older adults, as well as risk factors to be aware of and types of treatment programs available to assist older adults are the topics of discussion at an upcoming workshop scheduled for Monday, March 30 at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. The free workshop begins at 1:00pm.
Workshop presenter Bernie Siefert, LICSW, will cover the symptoms of depression and anxiety and how these differ from dementia; understanding why treatment for depression and anxiety is important; recognizing the warning signs and risk factors for suicide and what to do if an older adult is showing suicidal tendencies.
The workshop will be of particular interest to those providing direct care to a relative or other loved one.
Seifert is the Coordinator of Older Adult Programs for NAMI New Hampshire..
The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St. in Nashua.
Advance registration for the workshop is requested. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 132 for more information.
The workshop is part of a “Side-by-Side” NAM NH series presented by Seniors Count-Nashua and the Nashua Senior Activity Center. Seniors Count is a program of Southern New Hampshire Services. Future workshop topics include: Medical Care: Keeping it all Straight (Monday, April 13, 2015); Understanding Dementia (Monday, April 27, 2015); Coping with Changing and Challenging Behaviors (Monday, May 18, 2015); and Legal Issues: Who Makes the Decisions and When (Monday, June 8, 2015). All workshops are free of charge and begin at 1:00pm.
Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served at 11:45am.
The workshop is part of a series of free programs offered at the Senior Activity Center by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age. All programs have been filmed by and broadcast on Nashua’ Education Channel 99. Programs can also be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.
The ServiceLink Resource Center, Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.
