By Nathan Carter

As the aging population continues to grow, so does the number of older adults struggling with their mental health. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 1 in 4 older adults has a mental health disorder, and the American Hospital Association says the number of older adults with a mental health disorder is expected to double over the next five years.

Worse yet, two-thirds of older adults with mental health concerns do not seek the treatment they need, often because of the stigma or lack of awareness and supports. Johnson County Mental Health Center’s new older adult team is working to change that.

The team is made up of six mental health professionals dedicated to working with older adults in Johnson County. The team has one clinician, two case managers and two psychosocial rehabilitation specialists working with older clients.

Elaine Good, the team’s clinician, has worked at Johnson County Mental Health Center for 17 years. She is happy to have the newly-created team.

“Older adults are a critically underserved group that is growing exponentially,” said Good. “I’ve seen services to older adults grow and shrink and, now, grow again.”

The older adult team provides therapy and medication services, but also helps older adults meet other basic needs, including medical services, nutrition, housing, transportation, employment and social connections. They have worked with 48 older adults since the team was formed late last year.

Shasati Gibson works as a case manager on the team. She says aging can be the hardest phase of a person’s life, but thinks people overlook the mental health challenges that emerge with it.

“I think a lot of people don’t really think about older adults and mental health. People think that the older you get, the less likely you are to suffer from various mental health issues,” said Gibson.

Gibson, who has worked for Johnson County for 18 years, says older adults lose a lot of the natural supports of their younger counterparts. Many live alone and feel isolated. They may lose friends, family and mobility.

Studies show loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk for physical and mental health concerns, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, anxiety and depression.

For Gibson, every day looks different. She often helps her clients secure housing, medical care or other resources. Other times, she helps them figure out how to use their phone, tablet or computer to stay connected.

“Some of the people I work with just need someone to talk with to help process what’s going on around them,” Gibson said. “I hope that I can provide them with at least a little bit of relief.”

Gibson encourages older adults and their loved ones to look out for signs of mental health challenges that emerge as we age, like interacting less, spending more time alone, becoming nervous over routine activities or feeling hopeless.

Beyond the services they provide to their clients, the team is working on building relationships with community partners who also serve older adults to advocate collectively for their needs and raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges they face.

Good says the team is proud to walk alongside our community’s growing number of older adults on their mental health journey.

“Older adults are resilient and strong, and they bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom to treatment. We’re privileged to share in their journey,” said Good.

If you are an older adult or know an older adult who is struggling with their mental health, help is always available by calling Johnson County Mental Health Center’s crisis line at 913-268-0156.

Nathan Carter is the community relations manager at Johnson County Mental Health Center.