SNOHOMISH COUNTY—As this month marks National Mental Health Awareness Month, Homage Senior Services is expanding its mental health services across Snohomish County, especially to those who live in more rural areas, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Cambia Health Foundation.
Homage provides mental health services to older adults age 60+ at ten senior and community centers across Snohomish County, including mental health presentations at six Snohomish County YMCAs. These services are in addition to its in-person and phone mental health support services.
“Combatting our society’s mental health pandemic is crucial,” said Homage CEO Keith Bell. “It is a critical yet costly endeavor. Our gratitude knows no bounds thanks to organizations like Cambia Health Foundation as well as our local and federal agencies who provide grants and funding to help us provide care and support to the most vulnerable among us.”
Snohomish County resident Jackie McCoy, 62, has been caring for loved ones her entire life.
“I am a giver by nature and a relatively happy-go-lucky person, but during the pandemic, I suffered greatly and fell into deep despair,” said McCoy. “I was raising my grandchild and feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed by all that was happening in our world. It took a huge toll on me, which led me to feel lonely and isolated. And then, I met Nancy.”
Nancy Brosemer, a Mental Health Programs Manager with Homage Senior Services, a 50-year-old organization and one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit service providers for older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County. Brosemer and her team provide free mental health services on behalf of Homage to people like Jackie throughout Snohomish County, which is the third most populous county in Washington, with an older adult population (ages 65 and older) of 125,000.
“As we age, we often face difficult struggles and transitions. Loss of a loved one, health problems, retirement, and many other changes can lead to sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. Older adults have been disproportionately impacted by the isolation of a years-long pandemic, but many do not seek mental health care due to stigma,” said Brosemer. “Plus, older adults who wish to find mental health care often hit a roadblock, such as difficulty in finding a provider that will take Medicare, or they must pay a co-pay that is beyond the means of many low-income older adults. For older adults who live in more rural areas of the county, the geographic isolation and limited services make access to mental health services even more challenging.”
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED | https://homage.org/health-wellness/mental-health-program
- Older Adult Access Line: entry point for all Homage Senior Services mental health programs.
- Geriatric Depression Screening (GDS) short-term counseling: 5 sessions.
- Long-term counseling locator resource (database of providers who take Medicare and Medicaid.)
- Senior Peer Counseling: 30 well-trained older adult volunteers meeting with matched clients by phone or in person
- Intensive Case Management for qualified clients to address barriers to independent living. This is offered in the home.
- Medication Safety Presentations in community.
WHO QUALIFIES
Homage’s mental health services are available for free (no income requirements) for Snohomish County residents age 60+.
HOW TO ACCESS
People seeking support may call 425-290-1260 to complete a brief screening and intake. To learn more about the mental health services provided and to view the calendar of mental health services, please go to https://homage.org/health-wellness/mental-health-program.
Author: Mario Lotmore
