The older one gets, the more screenings they should probably have. Director of Flathead County’s Kalispell Senior Center, Khit Harding has been promoting these for the seniors in her region, the first of which took place at the end of October. On that first screening, several people were diagnosed with severe issues of depression and anxiety by Jennifer Allen who works at the mental health program at North Valley Hospital.
“Seniors will represent almost 25 percent of the overall population of Flathead Valley by 2020, a mere six years away. And although our demographic continues to increase because of retirees and the generally aging population, we still do not have the support of our communities needed to continue to live, work and play in our homes and independently,” she explained. Once diagnosed at the screening, the seniors were given the information they needed on how to seek help through a physician or therapist.
For the promotion of senior wellness, screenings make the world of difference. There are a variety of these that take place throughout the nation at all times. Most recent ones include: memory screenings at Kronkosky Place Senior Center in Boerne. Nurse Next Door Senior Home Care providers undertake monthly memory screenings to recognize National Memory Screening Day with screenings taking no more than 10 minutes. Blood pressure screening is available at Gaffey Home Nursing and the same is offered but with a question-and-answer opportunity with an RN at the Presence United Samaritans Medical Center every Wednesday.
Ultimately for those who are interested in the subject of senior wellness – whether they themselves are seniors or they are caring for seniors – screenings is a very important (and relatively easy) part of senior care.