New director looks forward to more personal connection

MARENGO — The new director at Senior Life Solutions in Marengo likes being able to have a more personal connection with people she cares for.

A Des Moines native, Hannah Vos was clinical supervisor for an observation unit for UnityPoint in Grinnell before accepting the position at Compass Memorial Healthcare.

“I was there right around two years,” said Vos. The observation unit is a step down from emergency, Vos said. It’s for people who aren’t ready to go home but don’t need to be admitted, she said.

As director at Senior Life Solutions Vos helps people 65 and older adjust to changes they face. She doesn’t have to rush from patient to patient and can make connections with people on a more personal level.

Vos is also glad she doesn’t have to be on call in her new position. “I was on call a lot.”

The position at Family Life Solutions provides a better family-work balance.

“I moved to this area because I met my husband,” said Vos. “That’s what brought me over here.”

Vos started her new job Oct. 21. “I’m very optimistic. I think there are a lot of opportunities to tap into,” she said “I have a great relationship with Compass.”

Vos, Office and Patient Coordinator Ana Larsen and Program Therapist Kara Carter have “a lot of great ideas that we’re going to put in action,” Vos said.

“[SLS] is predominantly group therapy for older adults,” said Carter. Senior Life Solutions helps seniors who are struggling with life changes such as retirement, downsizing and losses resulting from aging.

When clients come together as a group, they learn that they aren’t alone, Carter said. Each client has a goal for what he or she wants to achieve through the program.

Carter provides an educational element, discussing coping strategies, stress management and how to have positive thinking patterns.

The camaraderie gives the clients a boost as well, said Carter. Reduction in isolation can improve mental health, she said.

The people who participate in the Life Solutions program make relationships that they continue to enjoy when they leave Senior Life Solutions, Carter said.

Carter tries to normalize mental health help and remove the stigma of seeking it. Depression is not a normal part of aging, she said.

People average 30 treatment days in a program like this, said Carter. Clients can participate in group therapy up to three times a week. They monitor how they feel and step down to fewer days until they reach their goals and graduate from the program.

After clients graduate, Life Solutions follows up with them on a regular basis.

People can be referred to the program by primary care providers, said Vos, but they can also be referred by family members or they can enter the program without referral. They contact the office and go through the intake process, “just get to know them and hear their story.”

A psychiatrist on staff will give the order to admit them to program. A traditional Medicare plan usually covers the costs, Carter said.

Senior Life Solutions will host an open house Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 1-3 p.m. Residents can learn what Senior Life Solutions provides, eat snacks, win prizes and meet the new director.

Senior Life Solutions is located at 300 W. May St. in Marengo.