CMHA Celebrates Seniors Month 

Jun 10, 2024

June is Seniors Month in Ontario and this year’s theme is Working for Seniors. CMHA Waterloo Wellington is recognizing and celebrating the hard work seniors have done all their lives to make Ontario a wonderful place to live.  

Unfortunately, many seniors experience significant depression. It is estimated that in Ontario, 289,000 to 680,000 of adults over the age of 65 (17 to 30 per cent) are affected by mental health problems, depending on which diagnoses are included in the analysis. 

If you are a senior or know someone who could benefit from mental health and addiction programs for Ontario’s aging population, CMHA WW offers programs to support you.

At CMHA WW, we work in partnership with Geriatric Specialists (Geriatric Psychiatrist, Geriatrician) to provide service to seniors with complex cognitive, mental health, concurrent and/or behavioural issues in Cambridge and Guelph Wellington. Services include:

• Completing geriatric mental health assessments and developing care plans/interventions to optimize functioning and quality of life;
• Providing specialty consultations, follow up and monitoring;
• Establishing partnerships with local and regional community services, caregivers, the client and family and primary care providers;
• Educating seniors, families and caregivers about treatment options and health management;
• Formalizing links for transitions between community-based services and facility care

The CMHA WW mental health team provides outreach services which includes home visits. Geriatric Specialist appointments may be offered in person at the specialist’s office or virtually. The senior’s mental health team is integrated within the Specialized Geriatric Service. Family doctors provide referrals to our seniors mental health services. Learn more here.

For information on navigating these challenges, the Ontario government website offers several resources to support seniors. Additionally, other notable resources include: Mental health counselling and treatment for older adults, Active living, health and wellness supports, and A Friendly Voice which is a free, confidential phone line for Ontarians 55+ who want to chat with a friendly person. Call toll-free 1-855-892-9992 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. 

Did you know if you are concerned about a senior in your community, you can call Here 24/7?

Local community members can be change-makers by helping to identify vulnerable and at-risk older adults. Change-makers could include community members, service providers, volunteers, hair-dressers, janitors, bank tellers, postal workers, neighbors, etc. who come in contact with seniors.

Call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.