Independence at Home – behavioral health services for seniors & caregivers in their home

Summary: An estimated 40 to 70 percent of caregivers live with depression, anxiety or both, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. And, a study by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry reports that nearly 20 percent of adults aged 55+ experience a mental health condition, including cognitive impairments or mood disorders.<br> <br> With the expected population of adults 65 and older expected to reach 80 million by 2045, there’s a clear need to address better access to improved mental health services.<br> <br> Through the Insights Initiative, part of the California-based SCAN Health Plan community service program Independence at Home, social workers and family therapists used evidence-based practices to treat depression, anxiety, distress, grief, loneliness and other symptoms in seniors in their home and in their primary language.<br> <br> Senior-producer Liz Seegert recently spoke Denise Likar, vice president of Independence at Home, about this innovative approach to delivering behavioral health services to seniors and their caregivers.<br> <br>