New program at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital offers help for seniors

Sometimes the golden years aren’t quite so golden; that, in part, is why a new program; The Center for Senior Renewal, was developed at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

Julie Smirl, director of the center uses the following analogy when talking about the program.

“In 1932 George Eastman committed suicide. He left a note that read, ‘My work is done. Why wait?’” Eastman founded the Eastman Kodak Company and was the inventor of roll film.

Smirl’s point – depression and feelings of worthlessness can affect most anyone, regardless of social/financial status.

Dr. Naeem Qureshi, psychiatrist, and medical director at the center, said the center offers an intensive outpatient program that allows the elderly to maintain their independence, while at the same time get the help they need.

“They can come to the center for treatment then return to their home environment. This is a comprehensive program, much needed in this area, and it’s very successful.”

Life changes, such as the loss of loved ones and adjusting to retirement and illness all contribute to one’s well-being; both physically and mentally. Those who seek treatment at the center are assessed by the nursing staff, and then evaluated by Qureshi.

Qureshi said society has often prevented seniors from seeking help they may need, due to the fact that going to a psychiatrist, therapist or counselor is perceived as a sign of weakness. He said the fact there aren’t many mental health care providers in the area has also contributed to the lack of people getting the help they need.

“Mental health care is not available in most nursing homes,” said Qureshi. “There is a lack of personnel available.”

He said having family support for those seeking treatment is a “plus” for the patient.

Educating the patient and family are crucial to a successful treatment program. “If we can educate them about the illness, whether it’s dementia or depression, it becomes easier for both the patient and the family. They will know how to deal with certain issues, depending on the problem.”

Qureshi works closely with the patient’s primary care physician. “If I make any medication adjustment, I make sure their primary care physician is notified. That is very important because of drug interactions with their other medications or medical problems.”

Qureshi works with the patient from the initial assessment until they have completed the program.

“We create a plan that includes medication if needed or therapy, whatever the patient needs.”

Spending time listening and talking with the patient is a very important part of the treatment process. Qureshi learned this early on in his career.

“One thing that left a big impact in my life happened while I was completing my residency. I was visiting with a geriatric patient who was about 70 plus years old. I was asked to do a consult because he was depressed and not eating right. I spent an hour talking with him. At the end of the visit he asked me if I was really a doctor. When I told him I was he said he had never had a doctor spend that much time with him. ‘When they check on me they treat me like an object, not a patient,’” he said.

Qureshi said it’s difficult to pinpoint one particular sign that a family member may need to seek help at the center; however, if the senior’s level of functioning seems different, professional help should be sought.

“It could be they are having abdominal pain or headache, said Qureshi. “These complaints should be checked to determine if they are due to physical or mental health issues.”

“Any time a care provider sees a difference in their level of functioning they should contact their primary care providers and try to get whatever services are available. A lot of times it is not depression that brings them here.”

Dr. Qureshi said the most common issue in mental health for the elderly is their feeling of no longer being in control. The aged parent - who raised the children, held them, was their provider and seen as powerful – is now at a point where the tables have turned. “They have trouble when they are not able to feed themselves and the kids they raised are now telling them what they have to do,” he said.

Communication is the key when caring for an older parent. He said most people are so busy sometimes they don’t take the time to explain why they do what they are doing.

“For example, if mom needs a bath you may go on your lunch hour to bathe her. Mom doesn’t know why you are dragging her from the bedroom to the bathroom. She gets all worked up and you leave without explaining what’s going on and why you’re leaving.”

The cost for the program is covered by Medicare and most secondary and commercial insurance health plans. Normal deductibles and co-pays apply.

For information call St. Joseph Memorial Hospital today at 618-684-3156, extension 55130.