With Vernon having a higher percentage of seniors than the B.C. average, the Canadian Mental Health Association is looking out for this local population.
Considering that one in five adults 65 and older are impacted by a mental health condition, the Vernon and district branch of CMHA is hosting an upcoming community forum on seniors’ mental wellness.
The forum, scheduled for April 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Schubert Centre, is an invitation for family members and caregivers to provide input on this important topic, especially with respect to mental health, depression, and substance use issues which impact seniors’ quality of life.
“The forum will provide an opportunity for you, to help us, identify existing community resources; and challenges in accessing services and possible program gaps,” said Sue Rossi, CMHA Vernon executive director.
“We would also like to hear your ideas about how to address the issues of mental health and substance use among seniors in the community of Vernon.”
Rossi says families and caregivers experience significant stress in providing support to seniors with mental health conditions and substance misuse challenges
“Unattended mental health and substance misuse issues have trickle down impacts on emergency room visits, social isolation, income, and over all community health and wellbeing.”
For more information, contact Rossi at 250-542-3114.