Older Americans & Mental Health Awareness Month in NEPA

Did you know that more Americans are living to age 100 and beyond than ever before? This remarkable trend highlights the importance of prioritizing not just physical health, but mental well-being as we age.

May is recognized as Older Americans Month, which highlights the contributions of older adults and emphasizes the importance of supporting them in our communities. This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as the foundation for healthy aging. We encourage seniors and families of NEPA to stay proactive about their health, access preventive care, and make informed choices to maintain independence.

Equally important is recognizing mental health as a crucial part of aging well. Seniors face unique challenges, including isolation, grief, and changes in health or mobility, which can impact emotional well-being. Supporting senior mental health fosters resilience, connection, and a higher quality of life. Griswold is committed to being a resource for seniors and their loved ones, offering guidance and support for anyone struggling with mental health concerns.

At Griswold, we’re dedicated to helping seniors stay safe, independent, and enjoy the best possible quality of life at home. Because healthy aging goes hand in hand with mental well-being, we’re excited to share how you or an older loved one can get involved and champion your health through local Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers in NEPA. If you or a loved one has been struggling, we’re here to help connect you with local mental health resources.

Local Resources

Luzerne County

Luzerne County has fifteen Active Adult Centers, each offering a wide range of recreational and educational programs. The Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging offers a helpful health & wellness schedule with evidence-based programs that promote health and help prevent disease among older adults.

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health & Developmental Services provides a full range of mental health and intellectual disability services responsive to individual and community needs, including:

• Adult Mental Health Services
• Crisis Intervention Team

Northeast Counseling Services is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and was established in 1971 as a nonprofit mental health service open to the general public. They provide a full-service mental health center to residents of central and southern Luzerne County. Learn more about their extensive list of services.

Lackawanna County

There are eight Lackawanna County Senior Community Centers, providing health and wellness programs for persons over the age of 60 and of all income levels, to help them remain independent and contributing members of the community.

The Lackawanna-Susquehanna Counties Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention (BHIDEI) Program provides various adult mental health resources, such as:

• Early Intervention Contacts
• Suicide Prevention Alliance-Lackawanna County Resources (Mental Health, Anxiety, and Stress)

NAMI NEPA provides support, information, and advocacy to Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties. Their support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.

Griswold Can Help

During Older Americans and Mental Health Awareness Month, and all year around, Griswold Caregivers are here to:

• Provide companionship and support at your local senior centers and through aging office programs
• Provide transportation to programs, events, and appointments
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care
• Check in on seniors living alone to help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness

These are just a few examples of how Griswold can help, as we offer additional support and care services to meet a wide range of needs.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one could use some encouragement to take the next step toward better health, whether physical or mental, Griswold is here for you. Reach out to us this month to learn more about our services or connect with local resources. We’re ready to help you Live Assured.