Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Lyndhurst, NJ (March 13, 2009) According to the National Institutes of Health, ". . . if you have depression, you are not alone. Of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression." Depression is not a normal part of aging, and studies show that most seniors feel satisfied with their lives, despite increased physical ailments. However, when older adults do have depression, it may be overlooked because seniors may show different, less obvious symptoms, and may be less inclined to experience or acknowledge feelings of sadness or grief.

Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (CBHCare) has developed a comprehensive geriatric partial care program, The Valley Brook Center, designed to assist seniors and their families with the emotional and mental health issues related to aging. Services include:

• Psychiatric evaluation by a geriatric psychiatrist
• Medication monitoring
• Nursing assessment
• Individual and group counseling
• Support and education for families
• Referral to community services

"The thought of seeing a psychiatrist can be daunting for older people," said Gail Gloeckler, BSN, RNC, Program Coordinator at The Valley Brook Center. "So if you suspect that you or someone you love may have depression, come in for a confidential assessment - you may find that treatment improves the quality of life and reduces loneliness and isolation."

The dedicated staff at The Valley Brook Center work hard every day to help seniors maximize independence and self esteem while promoting emotional and physical health. "We are incredibly proud of this holistic program offered to older adults," says Pete Scerbo, Executive Director of CBHCare. "The participants at The Valley Brook Center enjoy many activities designed to treat the mind and spirit as well as the body." The Valley Brook Center offers exercise, music, crafts, games, creative expression, a variety of therapeutic groups as well as a nutritional lunch, continuing medical and psychological assessments. Transportation is provided and the program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To schedule a tour of the Valley Brook Center, call Program Coordinator, Gail Gloeckler at 201-935-3322, Ext. 38 during normal business hours, or email ggloeckler@cbhcare.com.

The program accepts Medicaid and private paying participants. Our fee counselors specialize in assisting clients without coverage and other financial resources to find an affordable fee for all services. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable requesting and receiving the best possible behavioral health services without regard to the cost. In forty years, no one has ever been denied CBHCare services because they could not afford them.

Founded in 1969 in response to the critical need for counseling services in the community, CBHCare is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of behavioral healthcare services to the people of New Jersey. Over the past 40 years, CBHCare has expanded its services to all ages - from children to seniors.

With treatment centers in Lyndhurst, Hackensack and River Edge, CBHCare offers quality mental health services including individual and family counseling; rehabilitation; alcohol and substance abuse treatment; the Valley Brook Center for Geriatric Partial Care; residential, and preventive services - making CBHCare one of the most vital and important healthcare resources in northern New Jersey.

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