Neighborhood House Association Introduces
New Mental Health Program for Seniors

NHA recently introduced an new innovative program to provide mental health services at no cost for seniors 60 years of age and older. Through its Geriatric Specialty Program, NHA will offer sustainable support for seniors who are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety, including those experiencing physical and behavioral difficulties. This new mental health service will operate in conjunction with other NHA senior services, including Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) and Senior Service Center. NHA’s Geriatric Specialty Program will focus on homebound adults and those physically unable to care for themselves.

"This new component provides additional resources for seniors living in our community," said Rudolph A. Johnson III President and CEO of NHA. "The Geriatric Specialty Program continues our commitment to improve the quality of life for underserved families in our community."

Geriatric mental health services are a component of NHA’s ADHA and Project Enable mental health program. ADHC is a day treatment facility that provides nursing, rehabilitative therapies, nutrition, psycho-social services and recreational activity to adults 18 years of age or older who are experiencing chronic physical and/or mental health conditions. Project Enable provides mental health services to adults 18 years of age and older who are affected by severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.

"Our goal is to help seniors in crisis who would otherwise be unable to access traditional counseling services by providing home assessments," said ADHC Director Jennifer Hurlow-Paonessa. "This is a much-needed community service that is vital to the quality of life for these older adults."

Geriatric Specialty Program services are provided at no-cost and all referrals are accepted. Service is available Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please contact Geriatric Specialty Program staff at 619-263-7761 or visit www.neighborhoodhouse.org for more information.